PSV Eindhoven have confirmed veteran centre-forward Lucas Perez is out of action after testing positive for tuberculosis with club quick to ensure infection does not spread in title-challenging squad
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Lucas Perez
Lucas Perez scored just one Premier League goal for Arsenal
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has been ruled out of action after testing positive for “active tuberculosis” just four weeks after joining PSV Eindhoven. The Eredivisie title challengers have confirmed the test and said no one else in the squad has been infected. Peter Bosz's side trail leaders Ajax by six points.
Perez, 36, is currently in quarantine and it is unclear if he will be able to play again this season. He signed a short-term contract at PSV after ending a fourth spell at Deportivo La Coruna. The club added that it is working with the public health authorities (GGD) to implement a track and trace programme to minimise the risk of the infection spreading.
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The club said in a statement: “One PSV player has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player in question is doing well under the circumstances. Although the chance of further infection is small, the situation is being closely monitored according to the standard protocols of the GGD.
“The situation has been reported to the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. The treating pulmonologist, the medical staff of PSV and the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost have immediately taken all necessary measures.
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“For example, source and contact research has been started and the persons involved have been informed. Together with the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, the standard protocols will continue to be followed and implemented. For the time being, there are no indications that people in the vicinity of the infected player are infected.”
“Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium that usually affects the lungs. In the active form, the bacteria can be spread through the air.
"‘The risk of infection for people in the vicinity of the patient is limited. In any case, there is no risk of infection in the open air,’ says pulmonologist Pascal Wielders, who works at the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost.
PSV Eindhoven boss Peter Bosz speaks
PSV Eindhoven boss Peter Bosz will be without Lucas Perez for the foreseeable future.
“PSV supports the player in his recovery and asks to respect the privacy of the players. When there are relevant updates, we will share them via our official channels.”
Perez joined Arsenal in 2016 but failed to make an impact, scoring just once before being sent out on loan to Deportivo for a season. He joined West Ham in 2018 and lasted one season in the East End before returning to Spain.
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