Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. The player was going to be a part of Madrid’s team for the Champions League quarter-final match against Liverpool on Tuesday. 

The team has already in crisis as its star player Sergio Ramos will not be playing due to an injury. A statement from the club read, “Real Madrid C. F. informs that our player Raphael Varane tested positive in the COVID-19 test he underwent this morning.”

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The footballer’s absence comes at a time when the team most needed him. Varane will also miss a match against Barcelona and the return leg against Liverpool next week. 

Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao are the only fit central defenders left in the squad for the game against Liverpool in the Madrid later on Tuesday. 27-year-old Varane has been a key player of the team and was in form in the recent weeks. 

Barcelona are just a point behind Atletico, with the Clasico at Valdebebas this weekend set to mark a crucial point in the Spanish title race.

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Madrid have had six positive cases of Covid-19 this season, Varane following Eder Militao, Eden Hazard, Casemiro, Luka Jovic and Nacho in catching the virus.