Official: Abde, Coutinho, and Dest the latest Barcelona players to test positive for COVID

The holiday season has not fallen kindly for Barcelona, as the squad continues to fall prey to COVID. Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Alejandro Balde, Dani Alves, Samuel Umtiti, Gavi, and Ousmane Dembele had tested positive for the virus in the last week, and today, Barcelona have come out with a statement confirming three more positive tests.

[MEDICAL UPDATE]

Sergiño Dest, Coutinho and Ez Abde positive for COVID-19.

The players are in good health and self-isolating at home.

The Club has reported the cases to the relevant authorities. pic.twitter.com/pQVqwkykjT

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 30, 2021

Ez Abde, Philippe Coutinho, and Sergino Dest have contracted the virus, according to the official medical report. The players are reported to be in good health and self-isolating at their respective homes.

With these COVID tests, Barcelona have 17 players missing for the clash against Mallorca on Sunday, including several injuries (Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite, Pedri, Sergino Dest, and Sergi Roberto), suspensions (Sergio Busquets and Gavi) and registration issues (Ferran Torres).

There is little to no chance that this game goes ahead now, but if it does, Xavi has an incredible dilemma at his hands.