MADRID: Real Madrid striker Mariano has been confirmed positive for COVID-19, the La Liga champion.

“After the COVID-19 test was conducted yesterday on the main squad players by the Real Madrid Medical Service, our player Mariano, was found positive.

“The player is in good health and is complying with the isolation protocol at home,” Real said in a statement.

Mariano did not join the Real squad as the players returned to prepare for the last 16 of the Champions League at Manchester City on 7 August.

The 26-year-old has not been relegated to the tournament this season.

Mariano, the Dominican Republic player who returned to Real in 2018 after an excellent season with Lyon, has only appeared a few times in La Liga this season due to fierce competition and injury.

He was only included five times as a substitute when Real won their 34th Spanish title, scoring one goal against Barcelona.