Real Madrid: Luka Jovic self-isolating as a precaution, tests negative

Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic is self-isolating after coming into contact with a friend who tested positive.

This past Sunday, Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic made his return to the lineup by playing the final few minutes of stoppage time in a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. The Serbian international had fractured his foot during the pause in La Liga due to COVID-19, so fans were happy to see him back on the pitch.

But it may be a while until Jovic plays for Los Blancos again, since there are four games left in the season and the striker may have to self-isolate through all of them.

According to an exclusive report from El Chiriniguito, Jovic is self-isolating as a precautionary measure after coming into contact with a friend who later tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Jovic has NOT tested positive, however. He has tested negative. That said it is important for the striker to take this precaution.

Early in the outbreak, Jovic did not seem to take the virus seriously in his home country, and it appears the 22-year-old has learned from his error.

Real Madrid may not have Jovic available for a couple of weeks, with La Liga set to end on Sunday, July 19, against Leganes. That is less than 14 days from now, so it seems as if Jovic will not be able to contribute to Los Blancos the rest of the way if the club takes the most cautious approach. But because Jovic will be tested again in a few days, he could return to training and be available, realistically against Granada.

Therefore, Karim Benzema will have Mariano Diaz as his main backup. Zinedine Zidane could also turn to Marco Asensio at the striker position, and Real have even experimented with promising young forward Brahim Diaz as a false nine.

Hopefully, Jovic is safe and healthy and indeed doesn’t have or develop COVID-19. Again, it is wise and crucial to take this precaution, and we will see how the medical professionals, club, league, and the relevant health departments proceed.