FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman will not hold a training session on Tuesday. Photo by Andrey Lukatsky/Orange Pictures/DPPI/Icon Sportswire

Barcelona postpone training session due to COVID-19

Wednesday's La Liga showdown between Spanish giants Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao is in question after Barca confirmed on Monday that two members of their first-team staff tested positive for COVID-19. 

"As a result the training session planned for tomorrow Tuesday at 11.00 am CET has been postponed," Barcelona explained in the prepared statement. The club added that the entire squad will undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on Tuesday. It's possible the discovery of positive coronavirus cases among players could lead to the postponement of Wednesday's match. 

Barcelona are next scheduled to play against Granada on Saturday and begin the midweek sitting fifth in the league table on 28 points. Athletic Bilbao are ninth and on 21 points. 

Earlier in the day, Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and England Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced increased restrictions in those nations due to rising COVID-19 cases. However, the English Premier League and other elite sports competitions in those countries can continue. 

Since the start of December, the England top-flight has postponed four games due to coronavirus issues affecting clubs. It's unknown what, if anything, would cause competitions such as La Liga and the Premier League to suspend play as they did in March because of the health crisis. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Nationals designate former top prospect for assignment
Bengals coach offers significant injury update on QB Joe Burrow
MLB officials expect automated ball-strike system to be implemented in 2026
Browns running back shares when he expects to return from torn ACL
Braves designate infielder for assignment days after signing
Report names potential staffers if JJ Redick gets Lakers coaching job
Oilers expected to get Adam Henrique back for Game 3
Clippers reportedly eyeing potential addition of key guard
Insider: Sixers 'a threat' to sign LeBron James in free agency
Clippers reportedly interested in bringing back former team star
Route 66: Star guards score 33 each as Mavericks take 3-0 WCF lead
Unlikely hero helps Rangers steal Game 3 over Panthers
Braves superstar will miss remainder of 2024 season with torn ACL
Naomi Osaka finishes strong, wins first-round match at French Open
Grayson Murray's parents release heartbreaking statement on cause of death
Watch: Matt Vierling's walk-off HR caps wild game in Detroit
NFL reporter reveals why CeeDee Lamb isn't rushing to sign new contract
Celtics are being vindicated for acquiring Jrue Holiday
Christopher Bell wins abbreviated Coca-Cola 600, Kyle Larson's double attempt foiled by rain
Southampton earns Premier League promotion in world's richest game

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.