Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been tested positive for the global virus hour before his side's opening Premier League game against Wolves. The Germany international is undergoing a 10-day self-isolation as part of the Premier League and UK Government protocol.
As his recovery continues, the 29-year-old is expected to miss three rounds of fixtures including the opener against Wolves, Thursday's Carabao Cup game against Bournemouth and Sunday's league game against Leicester City.
"Manchester City FC can confirm that Ilkay Gundogan has tested positive for COVID-19," the club said in a statement.
"Ilkay is now observing a 10-day period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.
"Everyone at the Club wishes Ilkay a speedy recovery."
He may return to training after the Leicester game, but it remains to be seen whether he will be involved in City's meeting with Leeds United on October 3.
Gundogan is the third player from Manchester City squad to have contracted the virus after Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte. The duo, however, returned to training last week but Guardiola confirmed that only Mahrez will be available for selection against Wolves. As for Gundogan, he has been a constant fixture in Pep Guardiola's starting XI, having made 49 appearances in all competitions last season.
He also played for Germany in both of their 1-1 draws against Spain and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, City will also be without Sergio Aguero for the opener, but youngster Phil Foden is expected to make it to the starting XI after being sent home from international duty. Both of their new signings in Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres are in line to make their full debuts at Molineux.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Powell
