Defending champion Bayern Munich is among those worst
affected, with Monday’s training session put back until the late afternoon so
players and coaching staff can be tested upon their return.
The team’s return was already delayed by a day after the
Bavarian club reported five COVID-19 infections — captain and goalkeeper Manuel
Neuer, players Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso and Omar Richards, as well as
assistant coach Dino Toppmöller, all tested positive.
It’s unclear if the five are infected with the omicron
variant and whether they will miss Bayern’s game against Borussia
Mönchengladbach to resume the league on Friday. Neuer, who said he was
suffering from light symptoms, will miss the match.
Gladbach is also affected after reporting four positive
coronavirus infections – Joe Scally, Mamadou Doucouré, Denis Zakaria and Keanan
Bennetts are all in quarantine.
“All four players are doing well,” Gladbach said.
Of the Bundesliga’s 18 clubs, 13 have reported coronavirus
infections.
Stuttgart has four players in isolation ahead of its visit
to last-place Greuther Fürth on Saturday, with Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Naouirou
Ahamada, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mateo Klimowicz all affected.
Borussia Dortmund will likely have to do without the infected
Dan-Axel Zagadou for its game at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Frankfurt has
two players in quarantine with COVID-19.
Both Berlin clubs are also affected by positive test
results. Hertha Berlin new signing Fredrik André Björkan is among its players in
quarantine.
ENGLAND
Tottenham has more COVID-19 concerns ahead of the first leg
against Chelsea in the English League Cup semifinals.
Spurs had an outbreak that affected nine first-team players
in December, and manager Antonio Conte said Monday there are a couple of issues
in the squad.
“We are checking a couple of situations. We’ll see,” said
Conte, who didn’t disclose the name of the players affected.
The game is being played on Wednesday at Chelsea’s Stamford
Bridge. -AP