Atletico Madrid could be without Thomas Lemar for the upcoming Champions League match against Chelsea after he and and Hector Herrera tested positive for Covid-19.
Diego Simeone's men host the Premier League side in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie on February 23.
Atletico could already be without attackers Joao Felix and Moussa Dembele for the European encounter after both tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
The Spanish side now have six players in isolation, as Yannick Carrasco and Mario Hermoso tested positive days before Felix and Dembele.
What Atletico said
A statement on the club's website read: "Hector Herrera and Thomas Lemar underwent tests on Monday morning ahead of our fixture against Celta, in accordance with La Liga protocol. Both players tested positive for Covid-19. They later underwent PCR tests, which confirmed the results.
"The Mexican and the Frenchman are isolating at home, in compliance with the health authorities’ guidelines and La Liga protocols."
The Atletico stars will be without the six players for Monday's home match against Celta Vigo and they will all have to test negative if they are to have a chance of lining up against Thomas Tuchel's side later this month.
How important are Lemar and Herrera?
Lemar has played a significant role for Atletico in recent weeks. The France international has made 24 appearances in all competitions and set up a goal in each of their last two wins in La Liga.
Herrera, meanwhile, has started seven of the 13 games he has featured in this season.
Atletico sit top of La Liga and seven points clear of Barcelona and Real Madrid, but have two games in hand over their rivals.
Simeone's side have won nine of their last 10 games heading into the match against Celta. The capital club will then travel to Granada and face Levante twice before they welcome Chelsea to Wanda Metropolitano.
Further Reading
- 'Impossible' to compare current Atletico squad to 2014 champions - Simeone (Feb. 7)
- ‘Suarez sale a big error on Barcelona’s part’ – Aspas (Feb. 6)
- Suarez says ‘many clubs’ were keen as Koeman forced him out of Barcelona (Feb. 5)
