Benjamin Mendy: Manchester City full-back in coronavirus family scare and self-isolating at home

Mendy family member tested at a local hospital for Covid-19

(Getty Images)

Benjamin Mendy, the Manchester City defender, is undergoing a period of precautionary self-isolation by after a family member fell ill at his home.

The member of Mendy’s family is understood to have experienced respiratory problems on Thursday, with paramedics attending his Cheshire property.

The family member in question has undergone tests for coronavirus at a local hospital and is awaiting the results.

Mendy will self-isolate to avoid any potential spread of the virus within the club and will play no part in Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Burnley.

A City spokesperson said: “The club is aware that a family member of a senior men’s team player is in hospital with symptoms of a respiratory illness.

“He has undergone tests at hospital one of which is for Covid-19. Until the results are known, the player in question in self isolating as a precaution.”

City's rearranged league fixture against Arsenal at the Etihad was postponed on Wednesday after several Arsenal players were forced to self-isolate.

But a full complement of Premier League fixtures in front of crowds is scheduled to be played this weekend, despite the developing public health crisis.

Italy’s Serie A and Spain’s La Liga have both been suspended following an escalation of Covid-19 cases in western Europe, while games in France’s Ligue 1 will be played behind closed doors.

The coronavirus outbreak has led to approximately 134,000 confirmed cases worldwide and around 5,000 deaths.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation confirmed that the virus was now considered a global pandemic.