Real ace Mariano tests positive for coronavirus ahead of City tie

REAL Madrid forward Mariano has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss the Champions League clash against Manchester City as he quarantines.

New regulations for visitors entering the UK from Spain could, however, place a doubt against the game.

The 26-year-old Dominican Republic forward gave the positive result as players and staff returned to the training ground following a few days off after securing the league title.

A club statement said: “After the Covid-19 tests carried out individually on our first football team yesterday by the Real Madrid medical services, our player Mariano has given a positive result.

“The player is in perfect health and complying with the isolation protocol at home.”

Mariano was a long shot to face City to begin with, having been a fringe player for Madrid this season. He has made only seven appearances this campaign, five of them as a substitute in La Liga, and has not appeared in a Champions League match day squad.

Madrid are due to play the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash in Manchester on August 7. They trail 2-1 from the first leg, having played back in March before the pandemic forced the suspension of the season.

Baraclough added: “Kyle’s goals helped propel Northern Ireland to the last Euros and if he could get on a scoring run like that he is as good as anyone in the country as the main striker.

“For me it was great to hear him talk with enthusiasm about the move to Italy. It sounds a good project at Reggina, having been just promoted to Serie B, and they are trying to put a squad together to go into Serie A.”