Ilkay Gundogan: Manchester City midfielder tests positive for Covid-19

Gundogan becomes the third City player to return a positive test this month

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (Getty Images)

Ilkay Gundogan, the Manchester City midfielder, has tested positive for Covid-19 to further complicate Pep Guardiola’s team selection ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gundogan becomes the third City player to return a positive test since the start of the season following Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez.

The Germany international will now self-isolate for 10 days and will play no part in City’s trip to play Wolves at Molineux on Monday night.

In a statement, City said: "Manchester City FC can confirm that Ilkay Gundogan has tested positive for COVID-19.

"Ilkay is now observing a 10-day period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. 

“Everyone at the Club wishes Ilkay a speedy recovery.”

Gundogan was tested on Friday. The 29-year-old’s positive test is not thought to have any bearing on the rest of Guardiola’s first-team squad.

As well as Monday night’s game at Wolves, Gundogan is also set to miss Thursday's EFL Cup tie against Bournemouth and Sunday's Premier League meeting with Leicester City.

Guardiola is already without Sergio Aguero, who could be sidelined for a further two months with a knee injury suffered at the tail end of last season.

Mahrez and Laporte have both recovered from Covid-19 following their positive tests earlier this month, though only Mahrez is expected to be available at Molineux.