DOHA: Al-Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, said on Saturday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was asymptomatic.

Xavi, who renewed his contract with the Qatari club on July 5, said he will self-isolate as his team prepare for their first match on Saturday after the Qatar Stars League (QSL) was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Today I won’t be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition,” Xavi said in a statement. “David Prats will be there on my behalf as head of the technical staff — coach to the Al-Sadd reserves.

“A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in the last Covid-19 test. 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.”

The QSL resumed on Friday after being suspended since March due to the new coronavirus pandemic. Al-Sadd, who are third in the table, play Al-Khor later on Saturday with five rounds remaining.

Qatar has recorded 109,036 positive cases and attributed 164 deaths to the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2020