New Delhi, June 8 -- Brazilian forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos Football Club confirmed in a statement reported by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old striker began exhibiting symptoms on Thursday and was promptly withdrawn from all team activities. Subsequent medical tests confirmed the presence of the virus, the club announced on Saturday.

Neymar's diagnosis comes at a crucial juncture for Santos, who are preparing for their final league fixture before the Brazilian Serie A takes a break for the Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July. The club did not specify how long the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star would be sidelined due to the i...