Torreira’s 53-year-old mother was recently admitted to intensive care after contracting the virus in Uruguay – according to Ovacion.

The midfielder was granted special permission by Atletico Madrid, where he is currently on loan, to fly home to Frey Bentos to see his mother after learning she had tested positive.

Viviana spent several days in intensive care but her situation since deteriorated and her tragic death was confirmed on Tuesday.

Torreira himself tested positive for Covid in November 2020 after international duty with Uruguay.

There was an outbreak of the virus within the Uruguay camp at the time, with the 25-year-old midfielder the 12th individual from both players and staff to contract Covid.

Torreira was subsequently forced to miss three games for Atletico Madrid, including a crunch clash against Barcelona, upon his return from international duty.

Torreira joined Atletico on loan from Arsenal last summer in search of regular game time after struggling for minutes under Mikel Arteta.

The midfielder, who became a fan favourite for his brilliant performances early on at Arsenal, has played 22 times in all competitions this season for Atletico.