Blaise Matuidi has become the second Juventus player to test positive for coronavirus.
Serie A giants Juventus announced that France midfielder Matuidi was not showing any symptoms but had been in self-isolation since testing the positive test.
Matuidi follows team-mate Daniele Rugani in contracting the virus, which has brought football across Europe to a standstill with leagues currently suspended.
A statement from Juventus read: “Blaise Matuidi has undergone medical tests that have revealed his positivity to the Coronavirus-COVID-19.
The player, as of Wednesday 11 March, has been in voluntary home isolation. He will continue to be monitored and will follow the same regime. He is well and is asymptomatic.”
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Juve defender Rugani posted a message to fans on Twitter last week after news of his diagnosis was announced.
“You will have read the news and that’s why I want to reassure all those who are worrying about me, I’m fine,” Rugani said.
“I urge everyone to respect the rules, because this virus makes no distinctions! Let’s do it for ourselves, for our loved ones and for those around us.”
Italy has been the worst affected country in Europe amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of deaths having surged past 2,500. Players from Serie A clubs Sampdoria and Fiorentina have also tested positive.
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In England, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi have tested positive for coronavirus.
And in Spain, Valencia announced that “around 35%” of players and staff have the virus – including former Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala – while six Espanyol players are among the latest to have tested positive.
At Tuesday’s UEFA summit on the coronavirus crisis, it was agreed that the European Championship finals would be put back to next year, and Europe’s leagues would be given until June 30 to complete their fixtures.
