Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen will be without eight self-isolating players for their next three matches after two tested positive for coronavirus, it was revealed Thursday.

One player had tested positive from a National Health Service test following an initial private screening.

The second player is still waiting on his follow-up test. Both men are asymptomatic.

However, the Scottish Government has since instructed six more players to self-isolate after they were deemed to have been in close contact with the first to test positive.

The positive tests come days after Aberdeen lost 1-0 to Rangers in the opening Scottish Premiership encounter of the season.

"After Saturday's game, with all eyes on Pittodrie, we were once again commended on the stringent processes and measures we had in place," said Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack.

"Given the efforts of everyone at the club and our investment in protecting our most valuable assets, this is a bitter blow.

"With two first-team players testing positive for Covid-19, plus six others having to isolate for 14 days, it is also a harsh reminder of the severity and speed of spread of this virus."

Aberdeen are due to face St Johnstone in an away game on Saturday.

Aberdeen were also missing strikers Sam Cosgrove and Curtis Main for the season opener and Andrew Considine is suspended for the next two games.