New research says players at risk of coronavirus spread to lungs

Bundesliga - Borussia Moenchengladbach v FC Cologne - Borussia-Park, Moenchengladbach, Germany - March 11, 2020 Borussia Moenchengladbach's Breel Embolo celebrates scoring their first goal with Stefan Lainer and teammates during the match being played behind closed doors while the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay [COURTESY]

Research from Germany and Italy suggests that footballers and other athletes face a particular risk of the coronavirus infecting their lungs, raising major questions over attempts to restart professional soccer.

The research, produced by Italian immunologists and lung specialists based at institutes in Berlin, Rome and Verona, suggests that due to strenuous exercise, elite athletes are more likely to inhale virus particles and direct them to the lower areas of the lung.