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Sydney FC's Grant contracts COVID: report

Anna HarringtonAAP
Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant has reportedly contracted COVID and will isolate.
Camera IconSydney FC defender Rhyan Grant has reportedly contracted COVID and will isolate. Credit: AAP

Socceroos and Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, but the Blues' FFA Cup clash with Macarthur FC on Wednesday will still go ahead.

Sydney confirmed one of their A-League Men players had become symptomatic on Sunday night, was tested on Monday and returned a positive result on Tuesday afternoon.

The club wouldn't identify the fully-vaccinated player, but Nine newspapers reported it was Grant.

The positive result is the first reported in this A-League Men season.

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All of Sydney's players and football staff were considered casual contacts and have undergone subsequent PCR testing.

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So far, none of those tested have returned positive results.

Players and staff already had daily rapid antigen tests as part of Australian Professional Leagues procedure, and Sydney confirmed after advice from NSW Health that Wednesday's FFA Cup round-of-16 clash with the Bulls would proceed.

"We have taken every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of our players and staff who are considered casual contacts," Sydney FC chief executive Danny Townsend said.

"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 drew 2-2 with Newcastle on Saturday and as a result Jets players and staff are having PCR tests, though none have shown any symptoms.

"The Newcastle Jets players and coaching staff are in the process of undergoing PCR testing and self-isolation and are adhering to the directions of the APL," the Jets said.

"All A-Leagues players undergo daily screening processes which include daily rapid antigen tests, along with PCR tests."

Sydney and Newcastle's A-League Women teams are unaffected and will continue to train and play as normal.

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