Al Sadd coach Xavi back after recovering from COVID-19

Doha, Qatar: Coach Xavi Hernandez was back on the field to lead Al Sadd training after recovering from COVID-19.

“Thank you so much for all the caring messages that I’ve received during these days,” he wrote on his verified Instagram page alongside an image of him holding his daughter.

“I want to share with you that I’m recovered and back home with my family and the Al-Sadd team.”

Xavi, 40, announced on Saturday that he had tested positive following routine screening of players and staff in Qatar’s top-flight.

Sadd were without their star coach for last week’s match against Al Khor, but he will be back on the sidelines in Monday’s match against Al Ahli. Sadd continued their preparations for the match, in which new signing Rodrigo Tabata is expected to feature.

Tabata was warmly welcomed for his first training session, after signing a one-season deal. The former Rayyan captain underwent special training in order to prepare himself to join group training.