Paul Pogba and Tanguy Ndombele test positive for coronavirus

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Tottenham’s record-signing Tanguy Ndombele have both tested positive for COVID-19. This came just before the France squad for the UEFA Nations League was about to be declared and unfortunately, both Frenchmen will not be a part of the team by default.

Pogba whose place was certain in Didier Deschamps’ squad has been replaced by 17-year-old Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Pogba was one of the most influential personalities in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and was set to make his return to the national team next month after a year-long absence. 

L’Equipe reports that his test results make it impossible for Pogba to feature in the fixtures against Sweden and Croatia as he will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine. The Manchester United star had a slow but steady comeback after recovering from an ankle issue. Pogba’s relationship on and off the pitch with United’s miracle signing Bruno Fernandes was appreciated worldwide as the pair spearheaded the Red Devil’s rise to a third-place finish, also gaining a Champions League spot.

Ndombele’s place in Deschamps’ squad was already a big question mark due to his irregular playing time at Spurs. He had, however, been a regular in the France squad over the past 18 months. The Spurs man was reported to have recovered from a hamstring issue which ended his 19/20 season in a disappointing fashion.

Ndombele also missed Jose Mourinho’s squad that recently played a friendly against Ipswich on Saturday, winning 3-0. Deschamps himself confirmed the positive tests in his press conference after naming his France squad. Along with Camavinga, Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano also earned their maiden senior spots in the national squad, specifically due to their respective performances in the Champions League.

Anthony Martial was another player who returned to Les Blues squad for the first time since 2018. 

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