Lucas Perez will be sidelined for a “long time” due to active tuberculosis, according to the diagnosis.
After playing for West Ham from 2018 to 2019 and Arsenal from 2016 to 2018, the Spaniard joined PSV on a free transfer at the end of February. However, he has developed the dangerous ailment barely three weeks after joining the Dutch powerhouses and only appearing as a replacement.
According to a 2024 World Health Organisation report, TB surpassed COVID-19 as the most common infectious disease that killed people in 2023. An anticipated 10.8 million persons contracted TB overall in 2023, which resulted in 1.25 million fatalities.
Common symptoms of the condition, which mainly affects the lungs, include a persistent cough, fatigue, fever, appetite loss, weight loss, and a general sensation of being poorly.
Welcome to Eindhoven, Lucas! ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/8aaAcsNCe9
— PSV (@PSV) February 23, 2025
“One of the players of PSV 1 has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis,” PSV stated in a statement that was posted on their website.
“Considering the situation, the player is performing admirably. Despite the low likelihood of additional infection, the situation is being continuously watched in accordance with the GGD’s regular guidelines.
“GGD Brabant-Zuidoost was informed of the issue. All required actions were taken right away by the attending pulmonologist, the PSV medical team, and the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. A source and contact investigation was initiated, among other things, and the parties concerned were notified. The established protocols will continue to be applied and adhered to in conjunction with GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. As of right now, there are no signs that anyone beside the afflicted player has contracted the virus.
“PSV requests that the player’s privacy be respected while assisting him in his recuperation. We will disseminate pertinent updates via our proper channels as soon as they become available. At this moment, the club is not answering queries in any other way.
Perez needs to take antibiotics and be isolated for three to four weeks, according to the Dutch publication De Telegraaf. He will need to train for a few weeks before he is eligible for selection again, assuming he has recovered by the end of the course. They have agreed that, should his recuperation proceed smoothly, a minimum of five to six weeks of leave appears to be unavoidable.
Given that PSV’s season-ending matchup with Sparta is scheduled for May 18, Perez’s season may be coming to an end. Players and everyone else who has come into touch with Perez are being tested regularly to stop the disease from spreading further.
As of right now, PSV will play Ajax in a pivotal Eredivisie match. Boeren needs to win this game because they are six points behind their opponents in the competition to win the Dutch championship.
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