Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri has tested positive for coronavirus, the Swiss football association has confirmed.
The 28-year-old is the THIRD Reds player to contract COVID-19 in the last seven days, after both Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara tested positive last week.
Shaqiri is currently on international duty with Switzerland, having only linked up with his national team on Monday, and has now entered self-isolation in his homeland.
“Xherdan Shaqiri has tested positive for Covid-19,” read a statement from the Swiss Football Association on Tuesday morning.
“In consultation with the health authorities, he is in isolation.
“The strict protective measures and requirements of UEFA for national teams in accordance with the ‘UEFA Return to Play Protocol’ have been strictly adhered to since the move began.
“Based on this, clarifications are currently underway with the local health authorities about how to proceed.”
Self-isolation guidelines in Switzerland differ slightly from in the UK, as people must remain in isolation for at least ten days after the point symptoms first appeared.
Shaqiri was due to be part of the Swiss team to take on Croatia on Wednesday, followed by Nations League matches against Spain and Germany on October 10 and 13.
The Liverpool winger has made just one appearance in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, in the 7-2 victory over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup third round on September 24, where he opened the scoring.
He was linked with a departure from Anfield throughout the summer transfer window, especially having failed to even be named in a Premier League matchday squad this season.
Italian clubs Roma and Lazio were linked with an interest, but no deal materialised before Monday’s transfer deadline, and so he will remain with the Premier League champions until at least January.