ODSONNE EDOUARD has tested positive for coronavirus – which could rule him OUT of the Old Firm clash.
The Celtic striker discovered his positive test result while on duty with the French Under-21 side.
The Celtic striker is now a huge doubt for the Old Firm clashCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Edouard, 22, was due to represent his country in games against Liechtenstein and Slovakia before Tuesday’s revelation.
The striker – a summer target for Arsenal – could now miss the derby clash with Rangers at Parkhead next Saturday.
A statement on the French Football Federation website confirmed the news.
It read: “Odsonne Edouard will not participate in the France-Liechtenstein and France-Slovakia matches, counting for the qualifiers for Euro 2021.
“The result of his Covid-19 test carried out by Uefa this Tuesday morning, October 6 having been positive.
“Odsonne Edouard was sidelined from the group upon receipt of the results, at the end of training. He was then placed in isolation.
“All the other tests carried out on the entire delegation, staff members and players, were negative.”
Celtic confirmed all their other international players have tested negative in the last 24 hours.
The striker faced St Johnstone in the 2-0 win at the weekend Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Edouard will isolate in France until given the all-clear to return to Scotland – but it’s not known when that will be.
Celtic are in talks with French FA medics to find out when he will be allowed to travel.
In France, you only need to self-isolate for seven days if you test positive – but in the UK the period is ten days.
Edouard has an elite athlete exemption to travel and Celtic will hope he is given permission to fly in a week.
But even if he does return to Scotland before the derby there will be concerns over his health and fitness.
Neil Lennon could then face a huge dilemma over whether to throw him into the Rangers clash.
Edouard could now miss the Old Firm derby vs RangersCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
The Parkhead side have confirmed the news on social media.
A statement said: “We can confirm that Odsonne Edouard has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with France Under-21s.
“As it stands, no other Celtic player has returned a positive test.
“Our thorough testing programme will continue and we will continue to follow all protocols.”
The news is a further blow to boss Lennon after learning winger James Forrest is out until NOVEMBER with a stress fracture in his ankle.
It leaves Lennon with just Jeremie Frimpong on the right-hand side with the full-back playing in a more advanced role recently to suit the 3-5-2 formation.
Premiership leaders Rangers travel to Celtic Park a week on Saturday for the first Old Firm game of the season.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
