Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo has tested positive for COVID and has been replaced by former Milan defender Diogo Dalot.
The Portuguese FA announced this morning Cancelo, a former Juventus defender, tested positive for COVID and has been replaced by Dalot who spent the last season on loan at Milan.
Cancelo had travelled to Budapest with the squad as they prepare to face Hungary on Tuesday but was the only member of the group to return a positive Covid-19 test, meaning his tournament is over before it has even got going.
An official statement added: “The Hungarian health authorities were immediately informed and the player – who is doing well – was placed in isolation.”
According to UEFA protocol for EURO 2020, Joao Cancelo cannot return to the squad when he test negative.
The news is tough on Cancelo, who scored an excellent goal in a warmup game and was expected to build on what has been an impressive season under Pep Guardiola.
In reaction to the news shared on Twitter by City Xtra, many Man City fans have been sending messages of support to the Portuguese.
Get well soon to Joao💙💙💙💙
— Cityzennn (@thecityzensfc) June 13, 2021
🙂sooo unlucky
— CTID_93:20 (@MCFC_John9320) June 13, 2021
That's very unfortunate for Cancelo
— Sivuyile09 (@Siphe_Sihle1) June 13, 2021
Speedy recovery Joao 💙 gutted for him
— Dan (@GoldenBaldieSzn) June 13, 2021
If he has to withdraw, then he'll get removed from the squad. I think his summer is unfortunately over. He's still young though. Plenty of tournaments ahead in his career 💙
— Oli ッ🇩🇰 (PL CHAMPIONS 2021🏆) (@OliverBoisen) June 13, 2021
Too everyone asking, if they withdraw from the squad they can no longer return to the camp due to the covid secure bubble so if he is being replaced his Euros is over unfortunately
— Marshall Belton (@marshall_belton) June 13, 2021
