Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City have tested positive for coronavirus and they would have to self-isolate for 14 days before they can reunite with the rest of the Premier League team if they test negative twice in subsequent COVID-19 test.
The 29-year-old Algerian forward and the 25-year-old French defender would have to train alone ahead of the commencement of the 2020-2021 Premier League season.
This means that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte could miss Manchester City’s first Premier League match which is scheduled to take place on September 21 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, if the results of the subsequent coronavirus test which they will undergo in the coming days return negative, they could stand a great chance of reuniting with the rest of Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of their September 21 fixture.
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have tested positive for Covid-19”, the club announced on their official website.
“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.”
Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte’s time in Manchester City so far
Riyad Mahrez joined Manchester City from Leicester City on July 10, 2018, for a transfer fee worth €67.80 million. Since he joined the club, he has scored 25 goals and provided 28 assists. He has helped the club to win one Premier League, Community Shield, FA Cup, and English League Cup.
While Aymeric Laporte joined Manchester City on January 30, 2018, from Athletico Madrid for €65 million. Since then, he has scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 84 appearances. He has won 4 titles with Manchester City including two Premier League titles.
Minutes after Manchester City announced via their official Twitter handle that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have contracted the dreaded COVID-19, the Algerian tweeted that he was fine and appreciated those who have been wishing him well.
Thank you for all the nice messages, I'm good. Stay safe everyone take care of you 👍🏼👍🏼 https://t.co/cXICpDEOry
— Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) September 7, 2020
