Chelsea Midfielder Kai Havertz Tests Positive for Coronavirus
By Ali Rampling
Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Kai Havertz has been ruled out of the Blues' Champions League clash with Rennes after testing positive for coronavirus.
The 21-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Bayer Leverkusen during the transfer window, and has started every single Chelsea fixture in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
However, the Blues will be without Havertz for Wednesday evening's European encounter with Rennes at Stamford Bridge, and he will be forced to undergo a period of isolation.
Chelsea have not confirmed how long the German international will be self isolating for - however should it be the government enforced 14-day isolation period, he will miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Sheffield United.
Chelsea released a statement on the club's official Twitter account which read: "Frank Lampard has confirmed Kai Havertz has tested positive for Covid-19. As a consequence the player is now undergoing a period of self-isolation and is not involved in tonight’s Champions League game versus Rennes."
The Blues go into the UCL meeting with Rennes on four points in Group E following a draw at Stamford Bridge with Sevilla, and a comfortable win over group Krasnodar in Russia. Frank Lampard's men will see a win over Rennes as a huge step toward qualification for the round of 16.