PSG outbreak deepens as Kylian Mbappe tests positive for COVID-19

France striker Kylian Mbappe during the UEFA Nations League group stage clash with Sweden at Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden, September 5, 2020. /VCG

French football sensation Kylian Mbappe has joined the growing crop of Paris Saint-Germain stars who have tested positive for COVID-19, throwing the Ligue 1 champions' preparation for the new season into further chaos.

Mbappe netted the only goal as France battled past Sweden in their Nations League opener on Saturday, but the 21-year-old World Cup winner has already been sent home and will miss the second match against Croatia on Tuesday after his coronavirus test revealed a positive result.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the news on Monday, but PSG sporting director Leonardo claimed later that there was no communication whatsoever between the FFF and the club.

PSG's Neymar (L) and Kylian Mbappe look dejected following their team's defeat in the Champions League final at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Lisbon, Portugal, August 23, 2020. /VCG

"Everyone gives lectures to PSG, that we're poorly managed. But when this happens, it's still PSG that have to manage the problems, despite not knowing about them. PSG are always the bad guys in the story." he fumed.

"It is a lack of respect to never communicate with the club. We did not speak with anyone. We only spoke with Mbappe. We were the ones who had to put the pressure on. It is unacceptable."

To date, seven PSG players confirmed positive virus tests, including Mbappe's striking partner Neymar. It represents a major setback for PSG, who are due to start their title defense at Racing Lens on Thursday.

Brandon Mechele (front) during a training session of the Belgian national team prior to a friendly against Denmark, Tubize, Belgium, September 2, 2020. /VCG

Elsewhere, Belgium defender Brandon Mechele also left his teammates ahead of Tuesday's Nations League clash with Iceland after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The Belgian FA did not give any further details, but the association's performance manager Philippe Rosier told local media that 14 members of the country's 22-man under-17 squad had also tested positive during a trip to Germany last week.

"We regret this situation, especially for the parents and children involved," Rosier said. "We had taken all the measures... we were very strict on the protocols. But this situation still happened."

Riyad Mahrez (R) and Aymeric Laporte during a training session at Manchester City Football Academy, Manchester, England, January 24, 2020. /VCG

Earlier in the day, Manchester City confirmed that Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have tested positive for coronavirus, days before their Premier League season opener against Wolves.

"Both players are currently observing a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK government protocol on quarantine. Neither is displaying symptoms of the virus," read a statement.

"Everyone at the club wishes Riyad and Aymeric a speedy recovery ahead of their return to training and the new season," it added.