The German Football Association (DFB) on Tuesday confirmed five players have been asked to quarantine after one of them tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein. 

Without naming the player, the DFB said he was fully vaccinated and is currently not showing any symptoms. The four other players have returned negative tests but have been quarantined as they were identified as close contacts. 

“On advice from the Health Department, four further players who tested negative but were in close contact with the player who returned a positive result, will also be placed in quarantine in the team’s accommodation,” the DFB said in a statement. 

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All other players and staff members have tested negative and are continuing preparations as usual, the DFB said. 

“The number of corona infections has recently risen again nationwide. That is why we are consistently implementing the hygiene and behavioural rules during the last international match of the year,” Oliver Beirhoff, the national team director said. 

“This news coming so soon before the final two World Cup qualifiers is very tough, both for the coaching staff and the whole team, but health and welfare is our top priority, of course. I hope the player who tested positive recovers soon and that he remains asymptomatic,” he added. 

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Germany became the first team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by beating North Macedonia 4-0, securing the top spot in Group J of the qualifying rounds with two games to spare. 

They will face Liechtenstein at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg on Thursday before playing Armenia away from home in their final qualifier on Sunday. 

They lead Group J with 21 points from eight games, eight ahead of second-placed Romania. Their only loss in the qualifiers, a 2-1 reverse, came against North Macedonia at home.