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Update [7:00AM EST]
About that positive test result for Joshua Zirkzee...
It turns out that like Niklas Sule and upon further review, Zirkzee might not positive for COVID-19. Maybe.
Per Bild:
According to BILD information, a second PCR test turned out negative! This would mean that the results for the young player would also fall under the two percent false results, since corona tests have a 98 percent probability of being correct. Further negative tests must now prove the false positive result.
BILD learned: So far, however, the responsible public health department has not been able to officially classify the test as a false positive and thus not lifted the isolation.
In addition, Hansi Flick confirmed that Zirkzee will not be included in the squad against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at his weekly press pregame conference:
️ #Flick on the squad: "@leongoretzka_ trained yesterday. We expect him to be available. Niklas #Süle and @JoshuaZirkzee won't be in the squad."#BVBFCB #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/PbSYh4nUrf
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 6, 2020
We can only assume that — if true — the Dutch youngster was relieved...maybe not as relieved as one of those guys on the old “Maury Povich Show” who found out he was “not the father”, but relieved nonetheless:
Of late, Bayern Munich’s COVID-19 tests have had all the accuracy of those people who try to “guess your weight” at boardwalks and amusement parks. Hopefully, this is just a blip on the radar and things get better — and more accurate. This has to be very stressful for the players and staff alike on Säbener Straße.
Original Story
Per a release from its club website, Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee has tested positive for COVID-19. Zirkzee represents the second positive result at Säbener Straße this week after Niklas Sule’s positive test on Monday.
Sule’s latest diagnosis, however, revealed his earlier test was actually a “false positive.” Per FCBayern.com, Sule is still self-isolating as a precaution and is “doing well.”
As for Zirkzee, the youngster has spent his season floating between the senior team and Bayern Munich II in 3.Liga. Zirkzee has no goals and no assists in four appearances across all competitions for the senior team this season, while the 19-year-old Dutchman has tallied two assist in three 3.Liga games for Bayern Munich II.
With cases spiking globally, Bayern Munich will be vigilant in keeping its positive tests identified early and then isolating them from the greater group. Hopefully these latest cases are just outliers in what is a very tenuous situation for the club.