STANDARD boss Philippe Montanier has spoken for the first time since Liege confirmed four positive Coronavrius cases ahead of their Europa League clash with Rangers.

The Belgians announced on Wednesday morning that Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Nicolas Raskin, Moussa Sissako and coach Jan Van Steenberghe had contracted the virus.

Damjan Pavlovic and Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba will not feature against Steven Gerrard's side in the Group D opener as a precaution.

Montanier held his pre-match media conference this afternoon and said: "We are aware that in one week, the cases of Coronavirus have exploded and we are no exception to the rule.

"We have our first but we also want to be reassuring. We know that people who live in the same household are not all positive.

"The players are very careful, whether at the club or outside, so we remain rather serene."