Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Lionel Messi is one of four players to have returned positive coronavirus cases.
The French giants are due to take on minnows Vannes in the Coupe de France on Monday night, but the Argentine will now miss out.
Messi has endured an up and down start to life in PSG, having shocked the football world by leaving Barcelona in the summer.
In the domestic league Messi has managed just one goal, although he has been prolific in Europe scoring five in as many Champions League fixtures.
He did play in PSG’s final game before the Christmas break, but is now set for a spell on the sidelines.
In a short statement on the club’s site, PSG said: “The medical update for this Sunday, January 2 concerns Leo Messi, Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico, Nathan Bitumazala and Neymar Jr.
“The 4 positive players for Covid-19 are Leo Messi , Juan Bernat , Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala . They currently respect isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocol.
“Neymar JR will continue his care in Brazil until January 9 with members of the medical and performance staff of Paris Saint-Germain. His return to training is still expected in about 3 weeks.”
