Atletico Madrid Pair Diego Costa and Santiago Arias Test Positive for Covid-19
Atletico Madrid have confirmed striker Diego Costa and defender Santiago Arias have both tested positive for Covid-19.
The La Liga side added that both players are asymptomatic and have placed themselves in quarantine.
El primer equipo se sometió a la pruebas previas al inicio de la pretemporada, excepto los internacionales y Diego Costa y Arias, que dieron positivo en un test PCR realizado en sus vacaciones y se encuentran guardando cuarentena ➡ https://t.co/oL7YTrTISY
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 3, 2020
A statement on the club's website reads: "Today [Thursday} all the members of the first team passed the preliminary tests required by the protocol at the beginning of the new 2020/21 season at the Wanda de Majadahonda Sports City.
"The first team attended, except for the internationals who are concentrated with their respective teams and who will be incorporated into the group's discipline as the commitments with their countries go by.
"Neither did the players Diego Costa and Santiago Arias, who underwent a PCR test on their own with a positive result during their vacation period outside Madrid. Both cases are asymptomatic, in quarantine and complying with the protocols of the corresponding health authorities and La Liga.
"For this reason, both players will not be incorporated at the start of the preseason, scheduled for September 4 at the Wanda de Majadahonda Sports City, until they complete the relevant quarantine."
A number of high profile players have tested positive for Covid-19 in recent weeks.
Paul Pogba and Tanguy Ndombele both withdrew from France's squad for their upcoming Nations League games, while Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar has also tested positive alongside two other unnamed players from the Champions League finalists.
Wolves winger Adama Traore, who was included in Spain's most recent squad, was not able to join up with his international teammates due to his positive result. He has taken a second test, but the outcome has not yet been disclosed.
Atletico Madrid previously reported two confirmed cases of coronavirus before their Champions League quarter final against RB Leipzig.
Los Rojiblancos are due to start their La Liga campaign later in September.