The Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly and Eight others have tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, the Serie A club said on Saturday.
Senegal are scheduled to open their campaign in a Group B encounter against Zimbabwe on Monday.
“Kalidou Koulibaly has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with Senegal. The defender, who is vaccinated and asymptomatic, is now in self-isolation as per protocol,” a Napoli statement said.
Senegal were scheduled to depart Dakar on Wednesday but their journey was delayed for re-testing of the squad after positive cases for midfielders Pape Matar Sarr, Nampalys Mendy and striker Mame Thiam.
The Senegal Football Federation general secretary Victor Seh Cisse later said that a further six staff members had also tested positive.
On Thursday, the Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his teammate Mario Lemina returned positive results when tested on arrival at Yaounde’s airport, putting their participation in the tournament in doubt.
Players who Have tested Positive for Covid-19 as at Saturday January 8
Alfred Gomis (GK)
Edouard Mendy (GK)
Kalidou Koulibaly (DF)
Saliou Ciss (DF)
Famara Diedhiou (FW)
Bamba Dieng (FW)
Pape Sarr (MID)
Baba Thiam (FW)
Mampalys Mendy (MID)
