Sydney FC star tests positive for Covid

An A-League powerhouse has suffered a cruel blow on the eve of their FFA Cup match, with the club confirming a player tested positive for Covid.

A Sydney FC player has tested positive for Covid. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

A-League Men’s powerhouse Sydney FC has confirmed a player has tested positive for Covid.

The player in question is defender Rhyan Grant.

Grant, who is fully vaccinated, received a positive result this afternoon after experiencing symptoms on Sunday night and taking a Covid test on Monday.

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As a result, all of Sydney FC’s players and football staff have undergone Covid tests and have taken daily rapid antigen tests as an Australian Premier Leagues (APL) procedure.

The Sydney FC Women’s squad are unaffected by the positive test, and will continue to train and play matches as per usual.

Despite the confirmed case threatening to derail the Sky Blues’ FFA Cup Round of 16 match against fellow A-League Men’s club Macarthur FC on Wednesday night, the match will go ahead as planned.

According to Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend, Grant is only displaying “minor symptoms”.

“We have taken every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of our players and staff, who are considered casual contacts,” Townsend said.

Sydney FC have had a player test positive for Covid. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“No further players or staff members have reported any symptoms, however they have all taken tests to be sure.

“Sydney FC and the APL follow the strongest protocols to ensure we minimise any risk to our staff, players and Members and fans, and hopefully there will be no further cases as a result of these procedures.

“Our medical team have been in regular contact with the player in question and have been providing advice.

“He has only minor symptoms and is in good spirits.”

The Sky Blues have endured a frustrating start to their 2021/22 A-League Men’s campaign, having been held to two draws and a loss in their first three games.

An opening round derby draw against cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers was followed by a disappointing defeat to Macarthur.

Steve Corica’s side squandered a two-goal lead against the Newcastle Jets last Saturday, although a controversial VAR call caused plenty of debate as to whether a third Sydney goal was rightfully rubbed off.

Originally published as Sydney FC star tests positive for Covid