Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy could be at the centre of a coronavirus scare after it was reported a family member fell ill at his home.
The left-back has reportedly been ordered to self-isolate after a relative came down with respiratory problems at his Cheshire home.
Witnesses told The Sun that paramedics in hazmat suits were called to the property on Thursday.
One said: “An ambulance and a rapid response car turned up at about 11am. A medic got out in a hazmat suit – it was like something off a horror film.
“They were coming in and out of the property for about five hours. It was obvious they were treating it as though it could be something to do with the coronavirus.”
Mendy, 25, is understood to have been at home when they arrived.
One neighbour said: “I saw an ambulance and one man in an all white coat. I did wonder what was going on but didn’t want to get too close.
“You fear the worst when you see people in white suits.”
Another neighbour said: “He had a few friends around the night before but they all left at 11pm.
“I saw a paramedic but didn’t see Benjamin Mendy. There have been people doing some work there. He has a private chef staying there and people to look after him.
It is not known if the France international’s family member has the illness that has killed ten people in the UK.
The relative is undergoing tests for COVID-19 and Mendy is under strict instructions by the club to stay at home.
The report says the North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to an address on Mendy’s road in Prestbury, Cheshire. No further details were given.
A source said: “It’s a worrying time for Ben and his family.
“But the truth at the moment is like thousands of others around the country, they don’t actually know if they have coronavirus or flu, or something completely unconnected.
“No one is taking any risks though and City has asked him to stay at home and are offering him all the support they can.
“He’s a very popular member of the squad and everyone hopes his loved one is okay and makes a full recovery.
“If they do have coronavirus, City will follow all the necessary guidelines and medical advice and do their best to help Benjamin.”
A City spokesperson said: “The club can confirm that a family member of a men’s team player is in hospital with symptoms of a respiratory illness.
“The individual has undergone tests at hospital, one of which is for COVID-19. Until the results are known, the player in question is self-isolating as a precaution.”
He will therefore not be able to play City’s Premier League clash at home to Burnley on Saturday.
Mendy’s coronavirus scare comes as three Leicester players were put into self-isolation for showing symptoms of the disease.
Meanwhile, City’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg match against Real Madrid has been postponed.
It comes after Real Madrid players were told to self-isolate for 15 days because a player for the club’s basketball team tested positive for coronavirus.
Chelsea also cancelled their first team training on Thursday so their Cobham base could undergo a deep clean.
