MANCHESTER CITY defender Joao Cancelo has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss Euro 2020.
Portugal have called up Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot in his place, with their first match against Hungary taking place on Tuesday.
The squad have travelled to Budapest and Cancelo is the only member of the 26-player group to return a positive test.
Portugal has responded to the news by replacing Cancelo and issuing a statement.
It reads: “The Hungarian health authorities were immediately informed and the player – who is doing well – was placed in isolation.”
Cancelo will surely be disappointed by the development, as he was likely to start after impressing in the warm-up matches.
He scored against Israel in Portugal’s last match and has been ever present in a City side that romped to the Premier League title.
But for Dalot it is a blessing he probably did not see coming.
He has spent the season on loan at AC Milan but will team up with United teammate Bruno Fernandes ahead of the Hungary clash.
EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Group kings: 30/1 on England to qualify for the knockouts
Opening game: England 35/1 to beat Croatia- Shirt deal: England 20/1 to wear white home shirt
- Sharp shooters: 40/1 England to have 2+ shots on target v Croatia
- Bet builder: 88/1 tip for England vs Croatia
Portugal have become the second team in the tournament to return a positive Covid test, after Spain did the same last week.
Sergio Busquests and Diego Llorente have tested positive and the entire squad had to isolate as a result – Portugal will be glad to have avoided that outcome.
Spain had to field their youngsters against Lithuania this week and will open their Euro 2020 campaign against Sweden on Monday.
Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
