A third Barcelona player tests positive for COVID-19

The Catalan giants have confirmed another positive case ahead of their first training session back from the Christmas break.

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has tested positive for coronavirus ahead as the squad prepares to return to training.

The Spain international is the third player to return a positive result this week after fellow defenders Clement Lenglet and Dani Alves.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Barcelona confirmed Alba has COVID-19 but assured the full-back ‘is in good health and self-isolating at home’.

As a result, Alba joins Lenglet and Alves on the sidelines as Xavi Hernandez’s side return to training at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Tuesday evening at 18:00 (CET).

LATEST NEWS | @JordiAlba has tested positive for Covid-19 and will not be taking part in today's training session.

The player is in good health and is in isolation at his home. The Club has informed the relevant authorities. pic.twitter.com/Qn5frbUwrM

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 28, 2021

Who else could be missing for Barcelona?

The Blaugrana return to action this Sunday away to RCD Mallorca in La Liga for their first match of 2022.

However, as Xavi experienced before the winter break, the manager is short of options for the trip. Sergio Busquets and Gavi are suspended while Sergi Roberto, Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite, and Ansu Fati are injured.

Pedri, meanwhile, is a doubt. The 19-year-old midfielder hasn’t played since September due to a thigh injury, but he is expected to return sometime in January.