Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has tested positive for coronavirus, France coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed.
Pogba was set to be named in the France squad to face Sweden and Croatia but has been replaced by 17-year-old Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
Paul Pogba to Miss International Fixtures After Testing Positive for Coronavirus
Last-Minute Change After Positive Test
Didier Deschamps announced his France squad today and amid the surprise absence of Paul Pogba, confirmed it was due to coronavirus.
“I had to make a last-minute change to this list,” Deschamps revealed. “Because Paul Pogba was planned to be in this list but unfortunately for him, he took a test (for COVID-19) yesterday which turned out to be positive today, so at the last minute he was replaced by Eduardo Camavinga.”
Paul Pogba is an important figure for both club and country, having made 69 appearances and scored 10 goals for the World Cup holders.
Pogba will have to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
He could still be available to face Crystal Palace in Manchester United’s opening game of the season on September 19.
His replacement, Camavinga, may make his international debut.
Manchester United Comment
Manchester United have commented on the matter on their club website.
“Paul Pogba has been replaced in the France squad after testing positive for COVID-19, the statement reads. The midfielder will be unable to add to his 69 caps and 10 goals for his country in the games next month. Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season.”
Anthony Martial Returns
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial returns to the France setup.
“Since the World Cup, three or four times he was due to be part of our squad,” Deschamps said. “For various different reasons it didn’t happen…with what he has been doing since last season…now he is back in the squad.”
Full France squad:
Goalkeepers: Lloris, Maignan, Mandanda
Defenders: Digne, Dubois, Hernandez, Kimpembe, Lenglet, Mendy, Upamecano, Varane
Midfielders: Camavinga, Kante, Nzonzi, Rabiot, Sissoko
Forward: Aouar, Ben-Yedder, Giroud, Griezmann, Ikone, Martial, Mbappe
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is just two goals short of Michel Platini as France’s second all-time leading goalscorer, behind Thierry Henry, who is well clear as number one.
Ndombele Also Tests Positive
French outlet L’Equipe report that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has also tested positive for coronavirus.
It’s unclear if he was going to make the squad, though, he is regularly called upon by Didier Deschamps.
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