Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic has tested positive for COVID-19, the Serbian FA has confirmed. The news comes ahead of Serbia’s game in the European Championship Qualifying against Scotland. With the rest of the squad testing negative, however, the game, taking place in Belgrade, will still go ahead.
Milivojevic Tests Positive for COVID-19
Statement From Serbian FA
The Serbian FA released a statement, saying; “After regular testing on COVID-19, performed on Monday upon the arrival of representative team players to the Sports Centre of the Serbian FA in Starza Pazova the result for captain of Crystal Palace Milivojevic came up positive.
“In accordance with UEFA medical regulations and protocols, Luka Milivojevic left the sports centre immediately after receiving the result and remained in Serbia in self-isolation at home.
“The day after he has undergone another control test, which also came up positive. He will stay in Serbia in accordance with current laws of the Republic of Serbia related with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All the players and technical staff members of the A team had negative results after additional testing, hence all the other representative players are available to coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic for tonight’s game vs Scotland.”
Major Blow for Serbia
With such a crucial game on the horizon against Scotland, the last thing Serbia needed was to lose such an experienced midfielder in Milivojevic. The Crystal Palace man, who has more than proven his credentials when captaining his club, often gives the Serbian midfield that much-needed added defensive block.
Against the likes of John McGinn, too, Serbia may struggle without their general in midfield to contain the attacking play of Scotland. The in-form McGinn will certainly test the resolution of the Serbian side as Scotland desperately seek qualification to the Euros for the first time since 1996 and first international tournament since the World Cup in 1988.
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