Al-Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez, the former FC 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 would go on to self-isolate as his team prepare for their first match on Saturday.
The Qatar Stars League (QSL) would be restarting after it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Reuters. “Today I won’t be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition,” Xavi said in a statement.
“David Prats, coach to the Al- Sadd reserves, will be there on my behalf as head of the technical staff. “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 are third in the table, play Al-Khor on Saturday with five rounds remaining.