Topics: Benfica, Sporting Braga, COVID-19, Taça da Liga
The Portuguese giants will now consult with the national department of health on how to deal with this outbreak.

Portuguese giants Benfica are the latest European club to be overwhelmed by a COVID-19 breakout, with the Primeira Liga heavyweights announcing that as many as 17 people from their players, coaches, and general staff had tested positive for the virus.

The Eagles confirmed these 17 new cases on Tuesday, taking to Twitter to inform the fans on the latest development. Gilberto, Vertonghen, Grimaldo, Diogo Gonçalves, and Waldschmidt were the unfortunate players to contract the virus amid Portugal's battle to bring contain the pandemic.

Given the scope of this outbreak at the Estádio da Luz, the club have reached out to the national department of health for consultation on how to deal with this matter. Jorge Jesus' side are unsure whether they should play their matches in the next two weeks, casting doubt over upcoming crucial fixtures.

The first on that list is the Taca da Liga semi-final showdown with Sporting Braga. This game is scheduled for Wednesday but is in danger of being postponed amid Benfica's COVID-19 breakout. 

Additionally, the league's third-placed club are scheduled to take on table-toppers Sporting CP on January 31. Whether that highly-anticipated clash will be rearranged remains unclear. Furthermore, Arsenal and UEFA will be closely following this situation given that Benfica's Europa League round of 32 tie against the Gunners is only 30 days away.