Wu Lei (1st L) of China celebrates scoring his second goal during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 group C match between China and the Philippines in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jan 11, 2019. (DING XU / XINHUA)
The entire Chinese soccer community is hoping and praying Wu Lei can return at the peak of his powers following the striker's COVID-19 diagnosis.
Fans, players and pundits were shocked last weekend when the Chinese Football Association confirmed the Espanyol ace had contracted the coronavirus in Spain.
Our biggest hope now is Wu and his family can stay safe and get through this big challenge together
Lyu Wenjun, Wu Lei's former SIPG teammate
Since then, Wu's current and former teammates and coaches have been sending the much-loved forward their best wishes.
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"Like I always said, Wu Lei is the hope for us," Team China goalkeeper Yan Junling was quoted by Chinese newspaper Youth Daily.
"He's a role model for Chinese players who want to play in foreign leagues. He also plays a significant role for the national team. I believe he will recover as soon as possible. He will return and fight with us again on the pitch."
Wu has long been China's brightest homegrown star, with his goals helping Shanghai SIPG to the 2018 Chinese Super League title and earning him a subsequent move to Espanyol.
Last year, he became the first Chinese to score in La Liga and this year found the net against the mighty Barcelona to boost his global profile further.
Wu's eye for goal and all-round intelligence on the pitch have made him an integral part of Team China's squad, so national-team head coach Li Tie will be hoping the 28-year-old can return firing on all cylinders when World Cup qualifying eventually resumes.
Espanyol's Chinese forward Wu Lei controls the ball during the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and Club Atletico de Madrid at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on May 4, 2019. (JOSEP LAGO / AFP)
"Our biggest hope now is Wu and his family can stay safe and get through this big challenge together," said Lyu Wenjun, Wu's former SIPG teammate. "SIPG and the club's entire fan community will always support him."
Reporting only mild symptoms, Wu remains quarantined at home with his family in Barcelona, Spain. On Saturday, he attempted to reassure fans he is OK in a video posted on Weibo.
"I'm in great condition now and all the symptoms have basically gone," said Wu.
"I have run a series of tests on my lungs, including a CT scan, and the result turned out to be good. I really want to thank you all for your support and blessings.
"We still haven't completely beat the virus. Keep washing your hands and stay indoors. I believe we can win the battle against the coronavirus eventually. And I can't wait to return to the pitch."
Sports reporter Hu Minjuan revealed more details of Wu's quarantine, writing on social media: "According to Espanyol insiders, only 'well-protected' doctors with full gear can now enter Wu's home. And Wu has been required to not leave his home."
Hu also reported that Wu is being taken care of by his wife, but it is not clear if she has also been infected. Wu's two children have been moved to his parents' Barcelona residence as a precaution.
Last week it was revealed that six Espanyol players had tested positive for COVID-19. Wu has repeatedly told fans "don't worry" since the news broke, however those close to him have admitted that's not an easy thing to do.
"I was really concerned about Wu's health after I heard this," said renowned Chinese soccer guru Xu Genbao, who coached Wu when he was a kid.
Wu Lei (center) poses for a photo in Espanyol home stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Jan. 29, 2019. (JOAN GOSA / XINHUA)
"Wu Lei told me don't worry and he's fine. I really hope he can beat this virus and return. Chinese soccer is depending on him now."
Another of the striker's former teammates, SIPG midfielder Cai Huikang, says Wu is made of stern stuff - mentally as well as physically - and backed him to overcome this setback.
"It's a true relief to hear that Wu's fine now," said Cai. "Throughout all these years, Wu has survived many challenges. This is his biggest one so far, but we all believe he can recover and return to the pitch as soon as possible."
However, some observers have speculated if the infection could harm Wu's future career. Chinese experts reckon the signs so far bode well for the forward.
"Speaking of the sequela, if Wu Lei only displays mild symptoms until he's fully recovered, the infection will not do significant harm to his body and his professional career will not be affected," said Jiang Weiping, an expert on respiratory diseases at Huadong Hospital in Shanghai.
"Whether Wu should return to China for treatment, it depends on his condition. With mild symptoms, the best choice is to stay where he is and have a good rest.
"Considering Wu's physical condition, the most positive prognosis is that he could recover in one or two weeks."
Wu has joined the likes of Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi in testing positive, and Jiang says he is not surprised to see the list of infected players growing.
READ MORE: Chinese soccer player Wu Lei tests positive for novel coronavirus
"Soccer is a very intense sport that can lower players' immunity when they reach their physical limits," he added.
"Also Wu would be interacting with lots of people on and off the pitch, which would significantly increase the chance of being infected."
