Manchester City announced that both central-defender Aymeric Laporte and star winger Riyad Mahrez have contracted the Coronavirus.
It is reported that players have now been forced to self-isolate for the next two weeks after the result of the test.
In a statement on their official website on Monday, it reads: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have tested positive for Covid-19.
“Both players are currently observing a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. Neither is displaying symptoms of the virus.
“Everyone at the Club wishes Riyad and Aymeric a speedy recovery ahead of their return to training and the new season.”
City are preparing for their league opener on the 21st of September against Wolves but now it appears Laporte and Mahrez are a huge doubt for the tie.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly also observing the 14-day quarantine period according to protocols, after returning to England after a trip to Spain.
Assistant manager Juan Manuel Lillo will take charge of the Citizens pre-season preparations ahead of the new season in Pep Guardiola’s absence
Both Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez played vital roles as Manchester City finished 18 points behind champions Liverpool in the Premier League.
Mahrez ended the season with 26 goal contributions as he scored 13 goals while providing 13 assists in all competitions, while Laporte provided a solid defensive cover for Pep Guardiola.
They also lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals and suffered an unexpected to Lyon in the Champions League.
They would travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City six days after their meeting with Wolves.
A trip to new boys, Leeds United, will follow for City on October 3, two weeks before they take on in-form Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Etihad.
