A report indicates that former Arsenal player Lucas Perez has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis.
The Spanish forward, currently with the Dutch club PSV, is expected to be out of action for an extended period due to this illness.
According to reports from De Telegraaf, it is uncertain if Perez will be able to play again this season.
PSV released a statement on their website confirming the diagnosis: “One of our first-team players has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. He is currently in good condition given the circumstances.”
The club added, “Although the risk of further spread is minimal, we are diligently following all standard health protocols in consultation with the Public Health Service (GGD).”
PSV further stated that all necessary actions were promptly taken by medical professionals and the local health authorities. They assured that investigations into potential sources and contacts have begun, and those affected have been informed. Current indications suggest no further infections within the team.
As of now, PSV`s important match against Ajax is still scheduled. However, there is a possibility of postponement if more TB cases emerge within the PSV team.
Active tuberculosis typically affects the lungs, requiring patients to be isolated for about three to four weeks and undergo antibiotic treatment.
The infection has a lengthy incubation period before symptoms appear, during which time the person can still transmit the disease.
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 leaving 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 puts him in a race against time to play before the end of the Dutch league season on May 18 against Sparta Rotterdam.
Lucas Perez initially moved to Arsenal in 2016 from Deportivo for £17 million.
Despite a decent performance record with seven goals and five assists in 21 games, he did not fully settle in London.
Arsenal later 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 played for Elche, Cadiz, and returned to Deportivo for a fourth stint before signing with PSV.
After joining PSV, Perez spoke about his challenging childhood and strained relationship with his parents.
He recounted being raised by his paternal grandparents after his parents placed him in an orphanage at age two.
He also mentioned receiving a legal demand for financial support from his father, causing him significant stress and anxiety.
Perez also mentioned a similar financial demand from his mother when he signed for Arsenal, which was legally unfounded.
He expressed gratitude for his grandparents` care and discussed his decision to leave Deportivo due to ongoing personal issues and feeling undervalued by the club.
Perez clarified that his departure from Deportivo was due to personal reasons and not financial disagreements, contradicting earlier reports.
He emphasized his desire to be close to his child but explained that his career demands and misrepresentations in the media contributed to the situation.
