As the whole of England (and most of Europe) are in lockdown, it is worrying that the coronavirus is still spreading like wildfire, and it seems that the so-called Elite Sports bubbles are also being affected by the spike in cases.
Since joining the Egypt side for their double-header against Togo, the Liverpool striker Mo Salah was confirmed as being postive for COVID and was put into isolation for ten days.
Now the Egypt squad has travelled to Togo, and it has been confirmed by the Eyptian FA that the testing on arrival showed that Arsenal’s very own Mohammed Elneny has also tested postive, and was returned to Cairo to begin his isolation.
The official statement (as reported by Sky) reads: “The results of the medical swabs conducted by the national team upon arrival in Togo showed negative all except for Arsenal player Mohamed Elneny, whose result appeared positive without any symptoms.
“The player immediately began to implement the special medical protocol for people infected with Covid-19.”
It is now certain that Elneny, who is one of the most improved players under Arteta so far) will miss our trip to Leeds next week, but surely you have to feel sorry for Egypt, who now face playing a crucial AFCON Qualifying game without Elneny and Salah, arguably their two very best players…
It was bound to happen…. and the break isn’t even over yet! I wonder how many more will test positive?! Nothing like a good old – pointless – international break to spread it even more… sheesh….
At a personal level I hope Elneny and Salah don’t become seriously unwell
As more cases will no doubt emerge after the unnecessary international break, it begs the question about the viability of the top leagues if the outbreaks can’t be contained sufficiently and games get cancelled/delayed
With covid raging across Europe again it seems it is just a matter of time before a shut down is implemented. Best do all your Xmas shopping now. Another period of uncertainty is just around the corner.
AMN to partner Partey….think that would be great.
Get well Elneny
So unfortunate about Elneny and Sala. This is the problem with unnecessary international breaks. They do more harm than good. Get well soon both and hope no more players are affected.