Barcelona player Sergi Roberto reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 on 26 occasions before he eventually returned a negative test and was able to return to action.
The Spain international caught coronavirus while dealing with a muscle injury, picked up in late November, according to Mundo Deportivo. However after his first positive test, the 28-year-old tested positive a remarkable 25 more times before he was finally cleared to return to the club's training facilities.
Roberto eventually returned to action on Sunday, coming off the bench in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Overall, it took the versatile Barca utility man 29 days to return a negative test - one of the longest periods that a footballer has been affected by the virus. This despite the player reportedly only suffering very mild symptoms.
Advert
La Liga rules don't allow a player to return to club training facilities until they have tested negative, so Roberto had to do the majority of his injury rehab while he isolated at home.
The length of times it takes to recover from Covid-19 is extremely varied. For many mild cases, it's around two weeks, but the effects can last a lot longer for some people (so-called 'long Covid').
Advert
Cristiano Ronaldo was absent for 19 days from Juventus action, despite apparently being asymptomatic. However Roberto's stint with the virus lasted almost an entire month.
At least it's good to see the Catalan back, fully recovered, fit and playing for Ronald Koeman's side again. Presumably having completed Netflix during his 29 days of total isolation.
All imagery: PA Images
Featured Image Credit:Topics: covid, Football News, Football, Barcelona, La Liga, Covid-19