Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is isolating after a close contact of his tested positive for COVID-19, a Spanish newspaper reported on Thursday.
Zidane only went to Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Thursday to undergo the PCR test, as well as another antigen test. The Madrid coach tested negative for the rapid antigen test and the PCR test also returned a negative result.
Under LaLiga protocol, Zidane will have to remain in isolation for three days until he undergoes another PCR test, even after testing negative on Thursday.
If he tests negative in the second test, he will be able to return to work with the rest of the squad. The timelines, however, can be reduced depending on both the proximity of the contact and the last time that Zidane was in contact with the person.
Zidane could miss Real Madrid’s trip to Osasuna on Saturday, which is currently at risk of suspension due to threats of a storm in Pamplona, as well as the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic in Málaga next Thursday, 14 January.
If Zidane is unable to coach the side in either or both of those fixtures his number two, David Bettoni, will step in. Bettoni has been Zidane’s assistant for six years since the Bernabéu boss was in charge of Real Madrid Castilla and the pair played together at Cannes. He has his UEFA Pro Licence, giving him the paperwork to take charge of Madrid for hid debut as a senior manager.
Credit: en.as
