Chelsea-Real Madrid: Ancelotti a covid doubt for Champions League clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has not yet tested negative for covid-19 and may not be in the dugout for the Champions League match at Chelsea.
Carlo Ancelotti may be forced to watch Real Madrid’s Champions League clash at Chelsea on Wednesday from home after being prevented from boarding the team’s plane to London due to a positive covid-19 test. The Bernabéu boss was absent from the touchline during Madrid’s 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo last weekend after testing positive for coronavirus six days ago and may also miss the game at Stamford Bridge after testing positive again on Tuesday morning. The Italian will take another PCR later in the day and has not been definitively ruled out of making the trip, but if that also comes back positive it is likely Madrid will have to contend without their manager for the first leg of the quarter-final.
Davide Ancelotti and Luis Llopis ready to step in
Ancelotti’s son and assistant Davide was nominally in charge of the side in Balaídos but lacking the necessary coaching badges, he was unable to give instructions to the team during the game, a task that fell to goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis.
The Italian has been asymptomatic for several days and is reportedly feeling fine, but has yet to return a negative test and remains isolated at home. The rest of the Real Madrid squad and technical staff left for London at 11am on Tuesday morning and are due to train at Stanford Bridge at 6pm. Ancelotti may yet join them later today or tomorrow if he returns a negative test, but will not be present for the pre-match press conferences later today.