Former Arsenal player Lucas Perez has reportedly been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. This unfortunate news comes just weeks after the Spanish striker joined Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.
Reports from the Netherlands suggest that Perez`s diagnosis could keep him off the field for an extended period.
According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, there are concerns that Perez may not be able to play again this season due to his illness.
PSV released a statement confirming that one of their first-team players has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The club stated: "One of the players of PSV 1 has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player is doing well under the circumstances."
PSV also reassured that while the risk of further infection is minimal, they are closely monitoring the situation following health guidelines. "Although the chance of further infection is small, the situation is being closely monitored according to the standard protocols of the GGD."
The club added, "The situation was reported to GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. The attending pulmonologist, the PSV medical staff and the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost immediately took all necessary measures. Among other things, a source and contact investigation was started and those involved were informed. Together with GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, the standard protocols will continue to be followed and implemented. For now, there are no indications that people in the vicinity of the infected player have been infected."
Active tuberculosis typically affects the lungs and requires isolation for several weeks, along with a course of antibiotics.
Common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a general feeling of unwellness.
Perez, 36, signed with PSV just a month prior, after leaving Deportivo La Coruna in January. He was ineligible to play against his former club Arsenal in the Champions League due to registration timing.
Since joining the Eredivisie team, he has made three appearances. His expected absence of five to six weeks puts his return to play this season in jeopardy, with the final game scheduled for May 18 against Sparta Rotterdam.
Perez`s career includes a stint with Arsenal, whom he joined in 2016 for £17 million from Deportivo. Despite a decent scoring record of seven goals and five assists in 21 appearances, he didn`t establish himself as a regular starter.
Arsenal loaned him back to Deportivo in 2017 and then sold him to West Ham the following year. He scored six goals in 19 games for West Ham before moving to Alaves in Spain.
Subsequently, Perez played for Elche, Cadiz, and returned to Deportivo for a fourth spell.
Upon joining PSV, Perez spoke about his challenging childhood and complex relationship with his parents. He recounted being raised by his grandparents after his parents placed him in an orphanage at a young age. He also mentioned receiving a legal demand for financial support from his father.
