Alex Telles: Manchester United new signing tests positive for coronavirus

Telles was not part of United’s matchday squad against Leipzig

Manchester United defender Alex Telles (Getty Images)

Manchester United’s new signing Alex Telles has tested positive for coronavirus, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed.

Telles was not part of United’s matchday squad for their emphatic 5-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig and did not arrive with the squad at the Lowry Hotel in Salford before the game.

The 27-year-old was also absent from Saturday’s goalless draw with Chelsea, having made his debut in last week’s 2-1 win at Paris Saint-Germain.

Solskjaer confirmed on Wednesday night that Telles’ absence was due to a positive test but did not put a timescale of the defender’s return.

“Telles has tested positive for coronavirus so he’s been out for a few days," Solskjaer said. "No symptoms though, so he’ll be fine. Back soon.”

Telles later took to social media to thank United fans for the outpouring of support which followed Solskjaer’s announcement.

“Guys, I want to thank you for the messages of affection that I received from the moment that United announced that I have been diagnosed with Covid-19,” he wrote.

“I want to say that I am fine, isolated and soon I will be back with all my strength to help my teammates. Once again, thank you all for your lovely messages!”

Telles is the second United player to test positive for Covid-19 since the start of the season, with Paul Pogba contracting the virus while on international duty with France.

Edinson Cavani - Telles’ fellow deadline day signing - was forced to quarantine upon his arrival in Manchester as he joined as a free agent and fell outside exemptions regarding elite athletes.