Real Madrid 'unable to request postponement despite COVID-19 outbreak'

Real Madrid are reportedly unable to request a postponement for Sunday's La Liga fixture against Cadiz, despite a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Los Blancos announced earlier on Thursday that Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale, Rodrygo and Andriy Lunin had all tested positive for COVID-19, 24 hours after revealing both Luka Modric and Marcelo had also contracted the virus.

According to Marca, La Liga rules state that no clubs have the possibility of postponing a fixture if they have a minimum of 13 eligible players.

In the Premier League, a total of nine fixtures have already been postponed due to coronavirus, with English top-flight rules stating that matches can only be postponed if there are fewer than 14 eligible players.

Despite that, the Premier League over the last few days has taken the decision to make judgements on each case individually based on the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Carlo Ancelotti is set to rely on a number of academy graduates in the first team during this crisis, as they prepare for their final two La Liga games in 2021 against Cadiz and Athletic Bilbao.

Los Blancos have also confirmed that Ancelotti's son and assistant coach Davide Ancelotti has tested positive for coronavirus, while midfielder Dani Ceballos remains sidelined with an ankle injury.