Blaise Matuidi Diagnosed with Coronavirus; 2nd Juventus Player to Test Positive

Juventus confirmed on Tuesday Blaise Matuidi has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The Serie A giants released a statement on the club's official website detailing the midfielder's condition. 

Matuidi, who has been in "voluntary home isolation" since Wednesday, March 11, is said to be well and "asymptomatic."

The Frenchman is the second Juve player to test positive for the virus since the outbreak began. Centre-back Daniele Rugani tested positive for COVID-19, was isolated and later revealed on Twitter (h/t BBC Sport) he was feeling "fine."

Like Rugani, Matuidi is following the procedures put in place to help halt the spread of the disease. COVID-19 is a strain of coronavirus that can attack the lungs and airways of those infected.

Italy has been dealing with the outbreak since it became prevalent in the Lombardy region in the north of the country. Part of the response has involved suspending football in the Italian top flight, with all matches in Serie A on hold until at least April 3.

Juve were topping the table when play was brought to a halt, a mere point ahead of Lazio. Matuidi has played his part, but the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France has only started 13 league games, offering two assists in the process.

Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has often opted for more technically proficient players in the engine room. Former Arsenal playmaker Aaron Ramsey has joined classy schemer Miralem Pjanic and burgeoning talent Rodrigo Bentancur.

Matuidi remains an important player, though. The versatile, box-to-box powerhouse has helped the Bianconeri win the last two titles since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Serie A has been called off as part of the nationwide shutdown of sports and mass gatherings, while Italy responds to the pandemic. More than 184,000 people have been diagnosed globally, across 155 countries, including over 27,000 in Italy, according to the World Health Organization.