Marseille announce three cases of coronavirus with opening Ligue 1 game in doubt

Marseille have announced they have three new cases of coronavirus and their opening fixture of the Ligue 1 season is set to be postponed.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side are due to kick off the new campaign against Saint-Etienne on Friday night.

The club carried out more tests on Monday and, while no new cases were found, the club has now confirmed three positive tests from Sunday. 

French side Marseille have confirmed they have three cases of coronavirus after recent testing

Andre Villas-Boas’ side are due to kick off the new campaign against Saint-Etienne on Friday

Former Aston Villa defender Jordan Amavi has previously tested positive. 

According to French outlet RMC Sport, the game against Saint-Etienne will be postponed as a result of the three new positive tests. 

Marseille were forced to cancel a friendly against Stuttgart last week after Amavi tested positive for Covid-19. 

The French season is preparing to start again after the 2019-20 campaign was curtailed due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Protocol at the time stated that professional sports in France could not return before September but the government has given the green light for the top flight to return this weekend.

Fellow Ligue 1 side Nimes Olympique also announced on Tuesday morning that they have suspicions around two positive cases within their ranks.

More to follow.