Published: 12:54, November 3, 2020 | Updated: 12:39, June 5, 2023
Bayern defender Suele tests positive for COVID-19
By Reuters

This file photo taken on Aug 18, 2020 shows Bayern Munich's German defender Niklas Suele during a training session at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semifinal football match between Lyon and Bayern Munich. (MIGUEL A. LOPES / POOL / AFP)

BERLIN - Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele has tested positive for COVID-19 and gone into home isolation, the club said on the eve of their Champions League match at Salzburg.

The 25-year-old Germany centre back is the second Bayern player to be pulled out of action after Serge Gnabry’s false positive test in October. Gnabry has since returned.

There have been many cases in pro leagues and now it hit us. We have to accept it... and hope that it remains with that one positive test.

Hansi Flick, Bayern Munich's coach

“I will think about the lineup for Salzburg after the final training this evening,” coach Hansi Flick said at a news conference. “Niklas will not be available. It is not nice and it is one option less for us.

“There have been many cases in pro leagues and now it hit us. We have to accept it... and hope that it remains with that one positive test.”

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Suele had missed much of last season due to cruciate ligament injury and only returned to action in the summer.

Flick said the players and staff were now tested on a daily basis.

Bayern, who won five titles in 2020 including the Champions League and the domestic league and Cup double, travel to title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

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They are top of the Bundesliga following their 2-1 win at Cologne on Saturday.