Real Madrid: Courtois, Camavinga, Valverde and Vinicius test positive for Covid-19

Thibaut Courtois, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Vinicius have all tested positive for Covid-19, Real Madrid confirmed on Wednesday.

Madrid have had to deal with several positive cases within their squad over recent weeks, and are likely to be without another four players for at least their two opening matches of 2022. The club issued a short statement on Wednesday confirming Courtois, Camavinga, Valverde and Vinicius were the latest players to test positive.

Cup clash

Ancelotti's team are away at Getafe in LaLiga on 2 January, before travelling to Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 three days later.

David Alaba and Isco were confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus on 21 December 21, taking the total of Madrid players to have contracted the illness to eight in the space of a week. Luka Modric and Marcelo had gone into quarantine after routine testing on 15 December, then Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo and Andriy Lunin tested positive the following day, along with Carlo Ancelotti's son and technical assistant Davide.

While Valverde and Camavinga have made 15 LaLiga starts between them this season, goalkeeper Courtois has started every top-flight match and winger Vinicius has played in all 19 league fixtures, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists. His 14 goal contributions in LaLiga is topped only by Karim Benzema (22) in Madrid's squad, and the Brazil international could be a big miss for Ancelotti.

Madrid, who are eight points clear at the top of table, will be hoping to welcome back the players in time for their home match against Valencia on 8 January.