Sergio Busquets has tested positive for COVID 19 in a blow to his side’s preparations for the upcoming European Championships. The Spanish midfielder is one of the senior-most members of the fairly young Spain squad and was set to captain the team in the absence of Sergio Ramos.

Busquets, who started Spain’s friendly against Portugal on Friday, is believed to have contracted the virus during the weekend. None of his teammates have contracted the virus, which is a news which brings relief to the fans throughout Europe. Busquets is now undergoing a period of self-quarantine and is expected to play a part in tournament at a later stage.

A statement from Royal Spanish Football Federation read: “The RFEF regrets to announce that its captain Sergio Busquets has given a positive result in the last PCR test that was carried out this morning on the national team in Las Rozas.

“The rest of the members have all tested negative.

“Both the workers and the close contacts of the player will remain isolated for prevention and personalised training routines will be activated, maintaining the isolation, to continue with the preparation for the Euros.

“Regarding the second friendly match against Lithuania, it will be held under the direction of Luis De La Fuente and with members of the under-21 national team.”

West Ham player Pablo Fornals has been called up by the national squad amid fears that Sergio Busquets will not be able to recover in time. He is a part of a group of 4 players who are now training in a parallel bubble in case Spain need reinforcements ahead of their campaign opener next week.

The Spanish squad were scheduled to play their final warm up game against Lithuania on Tuesday, but Luis Enrique’s side had to pull out of it due to the fear of the virus spreading. All players will remain in self isolation for the next few days and will be tested daily. The next few days will be very vital for both the Spanish national team and the upcoming tournament.