Former Arsenal player Lucas Perez has reportedly been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, according to a concerning report.
The Spanish forward, currently playing for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, is expected to be out of action for an extended period due to the illness.
De Telegraaf suggests that Perez is unlikely to play again this season.
PSV released a statement on their website confirming the diagnosis: “One of PSV`s first-team players has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player is in good condition considering the circumstances.”
“Although the risk of further infection is minimal, the situation is being carefully managed according to the standard protocols of the Municipal Health Service (GGD).”
“The case has been reported to GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. The attending lung specialist, PSV medical staff, and GGD Brabant-Zuidoost immediately implemented all necessary procedures.”
“A source and contact tracing investigation has been initiated, and those involved have been informed.”
“In collaboration with GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, standard protocols will continue to be followed and enforced.”
“Currently, there are no indications of infection among individuals who have been in close proximity to the affected player.”
Active TB typically affects the lungs, requiring the patient to be isolated for three to four weeks and undergo antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a general feeling of illness.
Perez, aged 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 round of 16 due to registration deadlines.
Since joining PSV, he has made three appearances in the Eredivisie.
His estimated absence of five to six weeks puts him in a race against time to return before the end of the Dutch league season on May 18, when PSV plays Sparta Rotterdam.
Perez initially joined Arsenal in 2016 for £17 million from Deportivo.
Despite a decent goalscoring record of seven goals and five assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, he struggled to establish himself in North London.
Arsenal loaned Perez back to Deportivo in August 2017 before selling 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 Elche, Cadiz, and returned to Deportivo for a fourth stint.
Upon joining PSV, Perez spoke about his challenging childhood and difficult relationship with his parents.
He recounted to El Partidazo de Cope how his father abandoned him as a child: “I was raised by my paternal grandparents.”
“When I was two, my parents placed me in an orphanage because they were unable or unwilling to care for me.”
“This season, I received a legal demand from my father requesting lifelong financial support.”
“Subsequently, until I left Deportivo, I endured several months of significant stress and anxiety as I had to revisit very painful periods in my life.”
“When I signed for Arsenal, my mother also sent a formal demand for money… but her claim is invalid as she is not listed in the joint custody agreement.”
“My grandparents sought custody, and later, my grandmother allowed my father to assume responsibility. I was fortunate to have my grandparents, but their lives were limited.”
Discussing his recent departure from Deportivo and transfer to PSV Eindhoven, he added: “I am leaving now because the issue with my father persists. I met with him several times this past Christmas, and it is not a pleasant experience.”
“Given the unsatisfactory situation at the club, where I felt neither valued nor supported, I decided to be honest and express my difficulties and step aside.”
“The club and I discussed it… I was just two games away from reaching the 20-game mark that would have triggered a contract renewal, and I chose not to pursue it.”
“Two days after suggesting we take a break, I received a letter from the club requesting a written commitment. “
“I believe they do not understand what Deportivo means to me, and when such doubts arise, the best course of action is to step away.”
Perez also refuted claims that his departure from Deportivo was financially motivated, asserting that it was due to his personal circumstances.
“What father doesn`t want to be close to his son? Of course, I desire closeness, but if my profession prevents it… I was already geographically distant from him,” he clarified.
“What has occurred is that the media has repeated a falsehood, and I share some responsibility for allowing them to believe that falsehood. The person who disseminated that information intended to harm me.”
