Emre Can tests positive for COVID-19, Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke to go ahead

Borussia Dortmund defender Emre Can is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

Borussia Dortmund have announced that key player Emre Can has tested positive for the coronavirus, just one day before their Bundesliga clash against Schalke 04. The German international is now in domestic quarantine, but is showing no symptoms of the disease at the moment. The Black and Yellows’ game against Schalke will take place as scheduled on Saturday, the club confirmed. All the other Borussia Dortmund players and staff returned a negative test on Friday.

Can becomes the second Borussia Dortmund player to test positive for COVID-19 after Manuel Akanji. The centre-back had to quarantine for 14 days after returning a positive test while on international duty with Switzerland. He has now recovered and made his return to training earlier this week.

It remains to be seen just how long Can will be out for. League rules dictate that players must isolate for a minimum of ten days after testing positive, even if further tests are negative. He will at least miss the next three games, against Schalke 04, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Arminia Bielefeld.

Can started Der BVB’s opening six games of the season, but missed Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League group stage opener against Lazio due to suspension. He is a crucial part of the Dortmund team both on and off the pitch. And his absence in the coming games will certainly force Lucien Favre into making more changes at centre-back.

Let’s hope that the 26 year old remains symptom-free, has a speedy recovery from COVID-19, and we can see him back on the pitch for Borussia Dortmund very soon.