Xavi Feeling 'Perfectly Fine' After Testing Positive for Coronavirus

Barcelona legend and current Al Sadd boss Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, but explained that he is currently feeling 'perfectly fine'.

The Qatar Stars League is due to get back underway following a four-month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Al Sadd taking on Al Khor on Saturday. However, following Xavi's positive test, he will not be able to attend the match and will instead have to self-isolate in accordance with coronavirus guidelines.

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Avui no podré acompanyar el meu equip en la tornada a la competició oficial. David Prats, entrenador del filial de l’@alsaddsc, ocuparà el meu lloc com a cap de l’equip tècnic. Fa uns dies, seguint el protocol de @qsl, vaig donar positiu en l’últim test COVID19. Afortunadament em trobo perfectament, però seguint el protocol, continuaré aïllat fins que ho hagi superat. Quan els serveis mèdics m’ho permetin, m’incorporaré a la meva rutina i feina diàries amb més ganes que mai. Agraeixo a totes les autoritats, especialment als responsables de @qsl, @qfa i d’ @alsaddsc per posar a la nostra disposició tots els mitjans per a una detecció precoç que eviti més contagis i garanteixi el desenvolupament normal de la competició. Una abraçada i ens veiem aviat als camps de futbol! ⚽ _____ Hoy no podré acompañar al equipo en la vuelta a la competición oficial. En mi lugar y a la cabeza del staff técnico estará David Prats - entrenador del equipo filial de @alsaddsc - Hace unos días y siguiendo el protocolo de @qsl di positivo en el último test COVID19 que me realizaron. Afortunadamente me encuentro en perfecto estado pero, siguiendo el protocolo, aislado hasta que lo haya superado. Cuando las autoridades sanitarias me lo permitan, me incorporaré a mi rutina y trabajo diarios con más ganas que nunca. Agradezco a todas las autoridades y en especial a los responsables de @qsl, @qfa y de @alsaddsc el poner a nuestra disposición todos los medios para una detección precoz que evite mayores contagios y garantice un desarrollo normal de la competición. Un abrazo y nos vemos pronto en los campos de fútbol! ⚽️

A post shared by Xavi (@xavi) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:02am PDT

Xavi, who has been linked with the Barcelona manager's job in recent times, took to his Instagram to confirm that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The Spaniard explained that he luckily has no symptoms at this moment in time, while he was also keen to express his desire to get back to work as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Today (Saturday) I will not be able to accompany my team in the return to the official competition. David Prats, reserve coach of the Al Sadd branch, will take my place as head of the technical team.

"A few days ago, following the Qatar Stars League protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID-19 test. Luckily I am perfectly fine, but following the protocol, I will remain isolated until I have overcome it. When medical services allow me, I will be more involved in my daily routine and work than ever before.

Al Sadd are back in action on Saturday / Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

"I thank all the authorities, especially those responsible for Qatar Stars League, Qatar Football Association and Al Sadd for providing us with all the means for early detection that will prevent further infections and ensure the normal development of the competition. A hug and see you soon on the football fields!"

Xavi has been in charge of Al Sadd since May 2019, and his men are currently third in the league. While his side are currently nine points behind second-placed Al Rayyan, they have played one game fewer and can close the gap to six points if they win on Saturday.

The 40-year-old is expected to take over at Barcelona at some point during his coaching career, while it has even been suggested he has agreed to become the new boss at the end of the 2019/20 season - replacing Quique Setien. It remains to be seen if and when Xavi will be given the chance to lead his former club, but at this moment in time, it is the former midfielder's his health and well-being that is the ultimate priority.