Former Arsenal player Lucas Perez has been reported to be suffering from active tuberculosis, according to a report.
The Spanish forward, currently playing for the Dutch team PSV, is expected to be out of action for an extended period due to the illness.
According to De Telegraaf, it is unlikely Perez will play again this season.
PSV released a statement on their website stating that one of their first-team players has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. They added that the player is in good condition considering the circumstances.
PSV reassured that although the risk of further infection is minimal, they are closely monitoring the situation following standard health protocols.
The club reported the situation to the local health authorities, GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. PSV`s medical team, a pulmonologist, and GGD Brabant-Zuidoost are coordinating and have taken all necessary precautions.
A source and contact tracing investigation has been initiated, and all relevant individuals have been informed.
PSV and GGD Brabant-Zuidoost will continue to adhere to and implement standard health protocols.
Currently, there is no indication of further infections among those who have been in contact with the affected player.
Active TB typically affects the lungs, requiring the patient to be isolated for three to four weeks and undergo antibiotic treatment.
The infection has a long incubation period before symptoms appear, and during this time, the person can be contagious.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a general feeling of illness.
Perez, 36, joined PSV a month ago after ending his contract with Deportivo La Coruna in January.
He was ineligible to play against his former club Arsenal in the Champions League due to registration deadlines.
Since joining PSV, he has made three appearances in the Eredivisie.
His expected absence of five to six weeks means he is in a race against time to play again before the end of the Dutch league season on May 18 against Sparta Rotterdam.
Perez initially joined Arsenal in 2016 for £17 million from Deportivo.
Despite a decent record of seven goals and five assists in 21 games, he struggled to establish himself in North London.
Arsenal loaned Perez back to Deportivo in August 2017 and then sold him to West Ham the following summer.
He scored six goals in 19 games for West Ham before being sold to Alaves in Spain.
Perez then moved between clubs, playing for Elche, Cadiz, and returning to Deportivo for a fourth stint.
After signing with PSV, Perez spoke about his challenging childhood and difficult relationship with his parents.
He mentioned in an interview how his father abandoned him as a child and that he was raised by his paternal grandparents.
He recounted being placed in an orphanage at the age of two by his parents who were unable or unwilling to care for him.
Perez also revealed that he received a legal demand from his father for lifelong financial support, causing him stress and anxiety.
He also mentioned that when he signed for Arsenal, his mother also demanded money.
Perez expressed gratitude for his grandparents who provided him with care.
Regarding his departure from Deportivo and move to PSV, he explained it was partly due to ongoing issues with his father and feeling undervalued at Deportivo.
He clarified that his exit from Deportivo was not for financial reasons but due to personal circumstances and feeling unsupported by the club.
