Billy Gilmour has tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement released on Monday morning, the Scottish FA confirmed “that a member of the Scotland National Team playing squad, Billy Gilmour, has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Having liaised with Public Health England since the positive test was recorded, Billy will now self-isolate for 10 days and therefore miss tomorrow’s UEFA EURO 2020 Group D match against Croatia at Hampden,” the statement read.
Billy Gilmour Tests Positive for COVID-19
Big Blow for Scotland
The news will come as a blow for Scottish fans after the 20-year-old midfielder’s Man of the Match performance against England helped earn his country a point at Wembley on Friday. His absence from Scotland’s crucial last group game against Croatia on Tuesday may prove pivotal, with Steve Clarke’s side needing a win to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages of a European Championship for the very first time. Were Scotland to progress, it would also mean Gilmour would miss the Round of 16 fixture.
News of the Chelsea player’s positive test may also have potentially damaging repercussions for Gareth Southgate’s squad, who play current Group D leaders Czech Republic on Tuesday knowing a victory would see them finish as group winners. As yet, there has been no confirmation of any positive tests within the England camp.
Scotland are not the first nation at these championships to be impacted by the current health crisis, with Spain’s Sergio Busquets and Portugal’s Joao Cancelo both testing positive prior to the tournament. There have been no further outbreaks in either squad and, at present, no other confirmed cases in the Scotland squad.
The young midfielder, himself, will be gutted with the news having made such an impact against England. The hope would have been for him to go on and start again against Croatia.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
