Valencia confirm two positive tests for Covid-19

Valencia confirmed yesterday that coronavirus testing conducted on players and staff upon returning for pre-season revealed two positive cases.

The two identities have so far been kept anonymous. They are both isolating at home while the club has notified the Spanish health authorities.

It continues a rise in the number of confirmed infections among La Liga teams after Atletico Madrid’s Sime Vrsaljko and Angel Correa both tested positive on Saturday.

Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz and Sevilla midfielder Nemanja Gudelj have also been infected in the last two weeks. La Liga completed the season on July 19 and the plan for the next is to begin on September 12, following the conclusion of the Champions League and Europa League.

Spain has seen an increase in cases in recent weeks. Valencia started pre-season preparations under new manager Javi Gracia, who was appointed two weeks ago following the sacking of Albert Celades in June.

They were one of the first clubs to confirm cases of coronavirus in March, when 35 per cent of the squad, including players and coaches, tested positive after a Champions League match against Atalanta at the end of February.

Valencia finished ninth in La Liga after a miserable season for the club, during which supporters grew increasingly disillusioned with the ownership of Singaporean businessman Peter Lim.

A club statement said: “The PCR and blood serum tests carried out on Monday for the first team, coaching staff and employees have detected two positive cases of Covid-19. Those who have tested positive will remain isolated in their homes, in accordance with La Liga and club protocols.”