Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has tested negative to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) ahead of PSG’s crunch Champions League tie with Borrusia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Mbappe was tested for the deadly virus on Monday after suffering from a throat infection which kept him away from his teammates for two days. The Frenchman has netted 30 goals in 32 matches for PSG this season. He has scored six goals in UCL and 18 goals in Ligue 1.
It was gathered on Tuesday that Mbappe has been sick for the past three days and has missed training since Monday. However, his test results on Tuesday night confirmed that he has not contracted the virus. Mbappe became the first high-profile footballer to undergo a test for coronavirus which has claimed many lives all around the world.
Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, PSG manager Thomas Tuchel said on Tuesday that Mbappe is ill and has not trained for some days. He added that the 21-year-old is suffering from a bout of angina. According to him, Angina can reduce the flow of blood to the heart.
Tuchel, however, said he hopes the World Cup winner will take part in the last-16 clash with Dortmund, who defeated the French champions 2-1 in the first leg.
Tuchel said: “Kylian is sick.
“He was sick yesterday and he is sick today with angina and we are trying to maybe have a light practice (with him) this evening.”
“He did not practice with us the last two days,” added the PSG boss. “We must wait and decide tomorrow morning (whether he will play).”
The French authorities have announced that all Ligue 1 matches be played behind closed doors or have fan numbers restricted to 1,000 going forward. The Paris Police on Monday ordered that the clash between PSG and Dortmund at the Parc des Princes be played behind closed doors to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
This decision has made it difficult for the French Champions to overturn the game and qualify. Speaking on the development, Tuchel said that the club is “fully mobilized” to ensure the match goes ahead in the “best possible conditions”.
He said: “It’s another strange situation because we’re playing without our spectators.
“In a match of this importance, they are very important to create a special atmosphere, tension, pressure on our opponent. With what’s happening between coronavirus and Kylian Mbappe’s illness, we have to adapt and think.
“Kylian has a sore throat and we’ll see if he can train a bit on Tuesday evening, but he hasn’t been with us for two days. We’ll wait and see and decide on Wednesday morning.”
Coronavirus has affected world football, with Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Valencia and Atalanta to be played behind closed doors. Also, the second leg of Europa League clash between Sevilla and Roma as well as Olympiacos and Wolves will also be played behind closed doors.
