Al-Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, said on Saturday he had tested positive for COVID-19 but was asymptomatic.
Xavi, who renewed his contract with the Qatari club on July 5, said he will self-isolate as his team prepares for its first match on Saturday after the Qatar Stars League (QSL) was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Xavi : A few days ago, following the @qsl protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test. Fortunately, I’m feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all clear. When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work.
— AlSadd S.C | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 25, 2020
"Today I won't be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition," Xavi said in a statement. "David Prats will be there on my behalf as head of the technical staff - coach to the Al-Sadd reserves.
"A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID-19 test. Fortunately, I'm feeling OK, but I will be isolated until I am given the all clear.
"When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work."
The QSL resumed on Friday after being suspended since March due to the new coronavirus pandemic. Al-Sadd, who is third in the table, play Al-Khor on Saturday with five rounds remaining.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
