LONDON/MADRID: Arrangements for Real Madrid’s visit to the UK to play Manchester City in the Champions League next week have been further complicated after  the Spanish champions’ Mariano Diaz tested positive for Covid-19.

Madrid players and staff have been granted exemption from British quarantine regulations which were sharpened last weekend with the British government’s imposition of a 14-day isolation order on all travellers arriving or returning from Spain.

So far the authorities have not questioned the status of the second round second leg tie. City lead 2-1 from the first leg in the Estadio Bernabeu in February.

Forward Mariano Diaz, 26, who tested positive, is reported to have had no contact with other players and staff.

A Madrid club statement said: : “After the Covid-19 tests carried out individually on our first team yesterday by the Real Madrid medical services, our player Mariano has given a positive result.

“The player is in perfect health and complying with the sanitary isolation protocol at home.”

Mariano issued an update on his condition in a video to his followers on Instagram, stating: “Hello everyone. I appreciate your messages of support. I am perfectly well, thank God my family and my environment are also great.

“Now I am recovering at home and I hope to return to normal soon and be able to be with my teammates and team. Greetings to all.”

European federation UEFA has stated that all games currently lined up in Europe’s premier club competition will be reviewed on a regular basis.