Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, and Omar Richards have received positive COVID-19 test results. Consequently, FC Bayern has rescheduled the commencement of training to Monday.
A COVID-19 outbreak has impacted FC Bayern: The German football giants’ star goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, and three teammates contracted the virus less than a week before the resumption of league play. The announcement was made Saturday evening by the club. Besides Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Omar Richards, and assistant coach Dino Toppmöller also tested positive and are self-isolating.
The Omicron variant’s role in these infections remains uncertain. Confirmation would necessitate a minimum 14-day quarantine period, given current guidelines precluding earlier testing.
Neuer shared on Instagram, “I’ll be in quarantine for the next few days due to a positive COVID-19 test. Thank you for the well wishes! Thankfully, my symptoms are mild.” He added, “Take care and stay healthy!”
Neuer was in the Maldives. Coman (Dubai) and Tolisso (France) also contracted the illness while on holiday. One publication reported Neuer remains in the Maldives and may return to Munich via private jet.
The Munich club subsequently delayed the training resumption from Sunday to Monday. To align with the current pandemic, a PCR test will be administered to all players, coaches, and staff on January 3rd.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s squad will face Borussia Mönchengladbach to kick off the second half of the season.
FC Bayern’s Winter Break Booster Vaccination Strategy
The Bavarian club announced Thursday that COVID-19 protocols were strengthened due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant. In collaboration with the Munich health authority, the team declared intensified testing and heightened hygiene practices.
During the winter break, FC Bayern prioritized booster vaccinations to provide enhanced protection against infection and severe illness. “All eligible players, coaches and staff received boosters. Others are either recovered or fully vaccinated,” stated Roland Schmidt, team physician and cardiologist. Recent weeks saw considerable attention focused on unvaccinated players in Munich, particularly national team member Joshua Kimmich, who endured a period of absence.
Recently, numerous Bundesliga teams have reported widespread COVID-19 cases at the start of training. Second division Schalke 04 cancelled their Turkish training camp.
Many professionals will be unavailable for the season’s second half. England has already experienced numerous postponed matches. The Premier League reported a record high of 103 COVID-19 cases between December 20-26. This scenario poses a similar threat to the Bundesliga.
