Xavi Hernandez tests positive for COVID-19

Xavi Hernandez has tested positive for COVID-19. It was the coach himself who confirmed the news through his Instagram account. 

However, Xavi wanted to reassure everyone that he is "in perfect condition", asymptomatic, but that he is isolated due to the protocol to be followed with the virus.

"I will not be able to accompany the team in the return to the official competition. In my place and at the head of the technical staff will be David Prats, coach of the Al Sadd's subsidiary team," began Xavi.

The coach said that, when "the health authorities allow it", he will get into the daily routine and work "with more desire than ever".

Al Sadd were due to play Al-Khor on Saturday in what was to be the return leg of the competition. However, the former Barcelona player will not be able to sit on the bench of the Qatar team.

Al Sadd's new signing, Santi Cazorla, will not be present on Saturday either. The former Villarreal player is on holiday before joining his new team.

Xavi, 40, recently quashed rumours that he was preparing to move back to Barcelona and signed on for another season at the helm of the Qatari top-flight side.

"A few days ago, following the Qatar Stars League protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test," Xavi said in a post on Al-Sadd's twitter account. 

"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."

Almost 4 percent of Qatar's 2.75 million people have had coronavirus, with 108,638 cases reported since the start of the pandemic giving the tiny Gulf state one of the highest per capita total infection rates.

However the Gas-rich country has reported just 164 deaths meaning it has one of the world's lowest virus death rates and 105,420 people have recovered from COVID-19, according to official statistics.

"Today I won't be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition," added Xavi referring to Al-Sadd's clash against rivals Al-Khor due to get underway at 1600 GMT Saturday.

It is Al-Sadd's first outing since the Qatari league was suspended in March to stem the spread of the virus.