{"id":563808,"date":"2020-08-27T09:33:21","date_gmt":"2020-08-27T13:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=563808"},"modified":"2020-08-27T11:15:35","modified_gmt":"2020-08-27T15:15:35","slug":"paul-pogba-tests-positive-for-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/08\/27\/paul-pogba-tests-positive-for-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Paul Pogba Tests Positive for Coronavirus as France Squad Named"},"content":{"rendered":"

Manchester United<\/a> midfielder Paul Pogba<\/a> has tested positive for coronavirus, France coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pogba was set to be named in the France squad to face Sweden and Croatia but has been replaced by 17-year-old Rennes<\/a> midfielder Eduardo Camavinga<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Paul Pogba to Miss International Fixtures After Testing Positive for Coronavirus<\/h2>\n

Last-Minute Change After Positive Test<\/h3>\n

Didier Deschamps announced his France squad today and amid the surprise absence of Paul Pogba, confirmed it was due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n

“I had to make a last-minute change to this list,” Deschamps revealed<\/a>. “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.”<\/p>\n

Paul Pogba is an important figure for both club and country, having made 69 appearances and scored 10 goals for the World Cup holders.<\/p>\n

Pogba will have to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.<\/p>\n

He could still be available to face Crystal Palace<\/a> in Manchester United’s opening game of the season on September 19.<\/p>\n

His replacement, Camavinga, may make his international debut.<\/p>\n

Manchester United Comment<\/h3>\n

Manchester United have commented<\/a> on the matter on their club website.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Anthony Martial Returns<\/h3>\n

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial<\/a> returns to the France setup.<\/p>\n

“Since the World Cup, three or four times he was due to be part of our squad,” Deschamps said<\/a>. “For various different reasons it didn’t happen…with what he has been doing since last season…now he is back in the squad.”<\/p>\n

Full France squad:<\/h3>\n

Goalkeepers: Lloris, Maignan, Mandanda<\/em><\/p>\n

Defenders: Digne, Dubois, Hernandez, Kimpembe, Lenglet, Mendy, Upamecano, Varane<\/em><\/p>\n

Midfielders: Camavinga, Kante, Nzonzi, Rabiot, Sissoko<\/em><\/p>\n

Forward<\/em>: Aouar, Ben-Yedder, Giroud, Griezmann, Ikone, Martial, Mbappe<\/em><\/p>\n

Chelsea<\/a> striker Olivier Giroud<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Ndombele Also Tests Positive<\/h3>\n

French outlet L’Equipe report that Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> midfielder Tanguy Ndombele<\/a> has also tested positive<\/a> for coronavirus.<\/p>\n

It’s unclear if he was going to make the squad, though, he is regularly called upon by Didier Deschamps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>