Bundesliga strugglers Hertha Berlin have asked the German Football League (GFL) to delay their next three games after a fourth certain COVID-19 case among players and staff constrained the club into fourteen-day isolation.
Hertha said on Thursday that head coach Pal Dardai, assistant coach Admir Hamzagic, and striker Dodi Lukebakio have tested positive and that the group and staff would go into quarantine yet have the option to prepare and play.
Nonetheless, a fourth certain positive test from defender Marvin Plattenhardt late on Thursday scuppered those plans and prompted authorities to force stricter limitations.
Hertha was booked to play Mainz 05 on Sunday, Freiburg on Wednesday, and Schalke on Saturday, April 24.
“Because of the further cases, we are compelled to go into a 14-day isolate,” sporting director Arne Friedrich said. “From a wellbeing viewpoint, that is totally the correct way forward.
“From a fatigue viewpoint, it influences us in our relegation fight, as we will presently need to play six Bundesliga matches in May before the season closes on the 22nd.
