Just as Serie A club Roma was about to begin training ahead of the 2020/21 season getting underway on September 19, three more players tested positive for the global virus following goalkeeper Antonio Mirante's positive test a week earlier.
Spanish striker Carles Perez had tested positive on Thursday, and on Friday, Brazilian left-back Bruno Peres said this on Instagram after his positive diagnosis, "I will respect the days of isolation but I can't wait to get back to work with the rest of the team."
Finally, the fourth to have contracted the virus was 21-year-old Dutch forward Justin Kluivert following his return from holidaying in the Netherlands and Ibiza, as per Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta Dello Sport.
Roma have been forced to delay training by 24 hours, as fresh tests will reportedly be carried out on its players on Saturday, August 29.
Rodriguez joins Roma on a three-year deal
In other news concerning Roma, Spanish forward Pedro Rodriguez has agreed to a three-year contract to join the club, leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old has won trophies such as the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League and La Liga and in 65 appearances for Spain, he scored 17 goals and won the 2010 World Cup.
During his five-season stint at The Blues, Rodriguez helped the club win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Friedemann Vogel
