Real Madrid coach Zidane tests positive for coronavirus

December 23, 2020 Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane during the match [REUTERS]

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has tested positive for the coronavirus, the La Liga club said in a statement on Friday.

The French coach was isolating earlier this month after a close contact tested positive for COVID-19 and did not attend a training session as a result.

Zidane, who is under pressure following Real's shock cup defeat to third division side Alcoyano earlier this week, will not be available for their La Liga match away at Alaves on Saturday with his assistant David Bettoni set to take charge.

August 7, 2020 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane before the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pool [ REUTERS]

Real are second in the league standings, seven points behind city rivals Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard, midfielder Casemiro and defender Eder Militao also tested positive earlier this season.