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      in Soccer

      England’s Nations League preparations in chaos as FIVE members of Gareth Southgate’s squad test positive for Covid-19

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      ENGLAND have been plunged  further into crisis after FIVE of Gareth Southgate’s squad tested positive for Covid-19.
      The shock comes after Manchester United star Paul Pogba and Spurs’ record buy Tanguy Ndombele also contracted the killer virus.

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      Five England players in Gareth Southgate’s Nations League squad have tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association

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      England face Iceland and Denmark in the Nations League next monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      While Chelsea have EIGHT players in quarantine and Arsenal FOUR.
      Southgate’s 23-man squad are due to start training on Monday for the Nations League  double header with Iceland and Denmark.
      But the Three Lions boss faces an anxious wait to discover how many will turn up.
      All five of the England players with coronavirus are  in quarantine, but some may be available to join the  camp next week.

      It is a huge headache for Southgate, who has already endured a nightmare week with defender Harry Maguire’s arrest in Greece.
      Players will be tested prior to their arrival at St George’s Park and will be re-tested as soon as they report for duty.
      The Premier League recorded just 20 positive tests during Project Restart as players were placed in their clubs’  bio-secure bubbles.
      But with many players jetting abroad on holiday at the end of the season, it is feared this could be the reason behind some either testing positive  or having to isolate due to government  quarantine restrictions.

      It is understood at least seven Prem clubs have seen at least one player test positive or have  players in quarantine and any increased spikes could cast doubts over the scheduled September 12 Prem season start.
      France boss Didier Deschamps yesterday revealed he was forced to omit Pogba and Ndombele from his squad after they both  tested positive for the disease.
      A United statement confirmed: “Pogba has been replaced in the squad after testing positive for Covid-19.
      “Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season.”
      That kicks off in just 15 days and other top clubs are braced for a raft of new cases as players return from their summer holidays.

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      Paul Pogba tested positive for Covid-19 before reporting to France trainingCredit: EPA

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      Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori are among eight Chelsea players in quarantineCredit: Refer to Caption
      SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea stars Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori are all in quarantine after meeting up on the Greek island of Mykonos.
      Fellow Blues’ stars Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Michy Batshuayi and Emerson are now also following protocol and staying home as Chelsea battle a number of cases of the disease in the camp.
      Incoming new defender Thiago Silva has even opted to undergo his medical in Italy instead of France as he prepares to leave Paris St.Germain for Chelsea on a free transfer.
      Having the checks there would mean an immediate move into self-isolation under anti-Covid rules.
      Chelsea are due to play Brighton in a friendly game on Saturday in a test event that will see 2,500 fans at the Amex Stadium.
      Pogba has been withdrawn from France’s double header against Sweden and Croatia.
      His Old Trafford team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also required to self-isolate after travelling to Dubai.
      It means Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is robbed of two key players during vital pre-season preparations.
      And former England star Chris Waddle has urged Uefa to scrap the Nations League.
      The ex-Newcastle and Spurs winger declared: “It’s crazy and all about money.
      “Why are we asking players to get on a plane and put themselves at risk of coronavirus to play meaningless friendlies?”
      Premier League runners up Manchester City had a scare when Raheem Sterling attended a party on holiday hosted by Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, who later tested positive for coronavirus.
      However, England winger Sterling’s follow-up test was clear.
      Prem chiefs are monitoring the situation closely and are confident the new season will kick off on time.
      But a source told SunSport clubs do have the right to ask for postponements to matches if the situation becomes too drastic.

      They will be heard on a case by case basis and Chelsea are holding firm for now and refusing to buckle despite the fresh outbreak.
      Many of England’s top players scattered all over the world when given a fortnight off by their clubs at the end of last season.
      Tottenham and England skipper Harry Kane is in quarantine after restrictions on visiting the Bahamas changed while he was there.

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba and Spurs ace Ndombele test positive for coronavirus and omitted from France squad More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 Belgian Grand Prix practice: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and full schedule for Spa-Francorchamps race

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      THE Belgian Grand Prix will kick-off the third round of triple header races on the F1 2020 calendar this season.
      This comes after Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory in the Spanish Grand prix earlier this month, with the Brit star hoping to bag another victory at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

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      Hamilton’s victory at the Spanish Grand Prix was the 88th of his careerCredit: Splash News
      Triple Headers were introduced as a solution to complete the F1 season which came to a sudden halt when coronavirus outbreak hit.
      The F1 season usually runs for 22 matches, but this will impossible to meet because of the pandemic.
      Despite this, F1 bosses are optimistic that can still acheive a 15-18 race season.
       F1 boss Ross Brawn said: “That’s not great, but it’s better than no racing at all.”

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      F1 managing director Ross Brawn believes the F1 season can still be completedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When is the F1 Belgian Grand Prix?
      The Belgian Grand Prix takes place on Sunday August 30, 2020.
      First practice will be on Friday, August 28 and begins at 10am BST.
      Second practice then follows at 2pm.
      Qualifying will be on Saturday at 2pm, before the big race on Sunday.
      What live stream and TV channel is the F1 Belgian Grand Prix on?
      The Belgian Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOW TV pass from just £8.99 to stream on your mobile, tablet, games console or PC.
      Existing Sky customers can watch the race on the move by downlaoding the Sky Go app, which is comaptible with most smart devices.

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      The Belgian Grand Prix will be the seventh race of the seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      What is the F1 Belgian Grand Prix full schedule and timings?
      Friday, August 28
      10am: Belgian GP Practice One
      2pm: Belgian GP Practice Two
      Saturday, August 29
      11am: Belgian GP Practice Three
      2pm: Belgian GP Qualifying
      Sunday, August 30
      2.10pm: The 2020 Belgian Grand Prix

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      in Soccer

      Premier League in chaos after Man Utd ace Pogba contracts coronavirus and Chelsea stars quarantine 16 days before season

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      THE start of the new Premier League season risks being thrown into chaos after a spate of coronavirus cases among the league’s top stars.
      Players heading out on their holidays are also being forced to miss large chunks of pre-season with the big kick-off just 16 days away.

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      Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori are reportedly quarantining after their Greece getawayCredit: Instagram

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      Paul Pogba has tested positive after being spotted out and about in LondonCredit: Instagram @rakeem_madeit
      On Thursday, Paul Pogba and Tanguy Ndombele became the latest players to test positive for Covid-19.
      The duo, who play for Manchester United and Tottenham respectively, will miss France’s Nations League games.
      In response to Pogba’s illness, United stated: “Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season.”
      The Red Devils’ opening day fixture against Burnley has already been postponed due to their participation in August’s Europa League knockouts.

      And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will also be without Aaron Wan-Bissaka when their preparations get underway.
      The right-back must self-isolate for 14 days after travelling to Dubai – with it not known whether he had permission from his club to do so.

      The United Arab Emirates is one of several countries on the UK Government’s Covid-19 warning list, demanding anyone flying in from a listed nation quarantine upon arrival.
      Chelsea’s squad have also fallen foul of the Government guidelines with as many as EIGHT players having to miss training.

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      Mason Mount hung out with Didier Drogba during his Mykonos stayCredit: Instagram @masonmount10

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      Aaron Wan-Bissaka headed to Dubai and now must self-isolate
      Frank Lampard’s men face Brighton on Saturday but, while 2,500 fans will be allowed into the AmEx, Tammy Abraham and Co will not.
      The England striker joined Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic on the footballers’ holiday island of choice, Mykonos.
      Clubs advised their players on where was safest to holiday with the Greek island not on the Government’s list
      Ross Barkley also headed to the resort but must still self-isolate along with Jorginho, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi.
      The Telegraph report that six Chelsea stars have now tested positive for coronavirus.

      And SunSport understand one member of England’s squad plus two other unnamed Premier League footballers, both at Sheffield United, have caught the illness.
      Manchester City have already survived one scare after Raheem Sterling attended Usain Bolt’s birthday party, after which the sprint legend came down with Covid-19.
      Then taking a test himself, Sterling tested negative for the illness.

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      A trip to Cannes meant Michy Batshuayi fell foul of the Government’s guidelinesCredit: Instagram / @mbatshuayi

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      Jorginho is another Chelsea player who went abroad, to Capri in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @jorginhofrello

      Meanwhile, in the UK, United’s Salford home of Old Trafford is one area under a local lockdown due to rising infection rates.
      Complicating matters further, Uefa’s Nations League kicks off on the eve of the new campaign.
      Gareth Southgate’s England travel to Iceland and Denmark with games on September 5 and 8, during which time the squads involved must remain in secure social bubbles. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba and Spurs ace Ndombele test positive for coronavirus and omitted from France squad

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      PAUL POGBA and Tanguy Ndombele have tested positive for Covid-19.
      The Premier League pair tested positive for the virus after being selected for France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures next month.
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

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      Paul Pogba tested positive for coronavirus after being selected for France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures next monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The news was confirmed by international manager Didier Deschamps in a press conference, who has brought in 17-year-old Eduardo Camavinga as one of his replacements.
      He said: “I’ve completed at the very last minute a change in the list, because Paul Pogba, who was previously on the list, unfortunately for him he carried out a test yesterday which was returned as positive this morning.
      “So at the last moment he had to be replaced by Eduardo Camavinga.”

      As the World Cup holders prepare to play Sweden and Croatia, United wished their record singing a speedy recovery.

      I’ve completed at the very last minute a change in the list, because Paul Pogba, who was previously on the list, unfortunately for him he carried out a test yesterday which was returned as positive this morning.
      Didier Deschamps

      A statement read: “Pogba has been replaced in the squad after testing positive for Covid-19.
      “The midfielder will be unable to add to his 69 caps and 10 goals for his country in the games next month.
      “Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season.”

      Pogba was this pictured having dinner with pregnant partner wife Maria Zulay Salaues in London days before the positive test.
      But he will now be required to self isolate.
      Barcelona this month confirmed incoming signing Miralem Pjanic had tested positive for the virus.

      The new Premier League season is set to get underway on September 12 – eight weeks after the last was finished following an unprecedented extension.
      Players are now returning to pre-season, having had time off for a short break.
      But The Telegraph reported club officials fear cases could continue to rise after players partied together on holiday with pals from rival clubs in the past few weeks.
      Chelsea have Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Christian Pulisic quarantined amid a Covid-19 outbreak at Chelsea.
      All four went on holiday to the Greek island of Mykonos before pre-season training began last weekend.
      After the Premier League restarted in June, players and staff members were following strict coronavirus guidelines and tested twice a week. 

      But they were since been released by clubs to enjoy time off during the short gap until the new term gets underway.
      All top-flight clubs have undergone testing since returning to training and anyone to have tested positive will have to self-isolate for at least seven days.
      Players are expected to be tested only once a week when the new season starts – half of what was required after the restart in June.

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      Tanguy Ndombele also tested positive for Covid-19

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      United wished their record singing a speedy recovery

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      Pogba was this pictured having dinner with pregnant partner wife Maria Zulay Salaues in London days before the positive testCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling tests negative for coronavirus after partying with Usain Bolt at Olympic legend’s 34th birthday

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      RAHEEM STERLING has tested negative for coronavirus after partying with Usain Bolt at the Olympic legend’s 34th birthday bash.
      A source close to the Manchester City and England ace claimed he was “feeling fine and showing no symptoms”.

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      Raheem Sterling partied with Usain Bolt in Jamaica, with the sprinter later testing positive for coronavirus

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      Sterling partied with Bolt, Leon Bailey and Chris Gayle in Jamaica
      Sterling, 25, will be tested again before linking up with the Three Lions squad – with Gareth Southgate naming his 25-man group on Tuesday.
      He will also take another test on his arrival back in the UK – with no quarantining measures currently in place for those landing on British soil from Jamaica.
      The flying winger is due to be named in the England group to face Iceland on September 5.
      His spot had appeared to be in jeopardy after he was pictured at Bolt’s birthday celebrations in Jamaica on Friday, along with Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey and cricket legend Chris Gayle.

      The Sun can reveal party is now under police investigation.
      Sterling, who was born in Jamaica, flew out to his home on the island after City lost their Champions League quarter-final against Lyon.
      On Monday, Bolt announced he was self-isolating after it was claimed he’d returned a positive result for Covid-19.

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      Raheem Sterling returned to Jamaica – the place of his birth – for Bolt’s bash

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      Raheem Sterling’s spot in the upcoming England squad remains in jeopardy
      Videos from the party showed guests dancing close together without masks and ignoring social distancing.

      Jamaica has urged islanders to restrict gatherings to 20 people.
      The island has had 1,529 coronavirus cases and 16 deaths so far – but after just 174 cases in July, there have been 267 in the past four days alone.
      On Monday, a Jamaican radio station claimed Bolt had tested positive for Covid-19.
      The ex-sprinter later posted a video on social media to say he was self-isolating after taking a test.
      Bolt did not confirm the positive result.

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      Raheem Sterling was set to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on TuesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt is currently self-isolatingCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Meanwhile, a source close to Sterling said: “Raheem feels fine and is showing no Covid-19 symptoms.
      “But he’s in close contact with medical experts from both Manchester City and England.”
      Sterling will have to pass a Covid-19 test before he is allowed to join up with the his Three Lions pals.
      The 25-man squad is due to meet up from Sunday before going into a protective “bubble” for the games.
      And Gareth Southgate is now enduring a “real headache” with his squad meeting up in just five days.

      A source said: “It’s a real headache for Gareth.
      “Raheem’s a key player but he’s now relying on medical experts to ensure there’s a safe way for him to join the squad.
      “He’ll be tested as quickly as possible but everyone knows it can take 14 days for symptoms to develop and the squad meets up in less than a week.”

      Usain Bolt announces he is self isolating after taking coronavirus test but insists he has ‘no symptoms’ More

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      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling hit with Covid scare after partying with Usain Bolt before sprinter ‘tested positive’

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      RAHEEM Sterling is at the centre of a coronavirus scare after partying with Usain Bolt — just before the sprinter allegedly tested positive.
      Manchester City star Sterling, 25 — due to be named today in the England squad to face Iceland on September 5 — was pictured at Bolt’s 34th birthday celebrations in Jamaica on Friday.

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      Raheem Sterling has been hit with a Covid scare after partying with Usain Bolt

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      Videos from the party showed guests dancing close together without masks and ignoring social distancing
      Videos from the party showed guests dancing close together without masks and ignoring social distancing.
      A Jamaica radio station claimed today that Olympic legend Bolt had tested positive for Covid-19.
      Hours later he posted a video on social media to say he was self-isolating after taking a test, although he did not confirm the positive result.
      A source close to Sterling said: “Raheem feels fine and is showing no Covid-19 symptoms.

      “But he’s in close contact with medical experts from both Manchester City and England.”
      NIGHTMARE
      The virus scare is a nightmare for England manager Gareth Southgate.
      He will today name forward Sterling in the squad for the Nations League game in Iceland — and a second in Denmark three days later.
      But Sterling will have to pass a Covid-19 test before he is allowed to join up with the other players. The 25-man squad is due to meet up from Sunday before going into a protective “bubble” for the games.

      A source said: “It’s a real headache for Gareth. Raheem’s a key player but he’s now relying on medical experts to ensure there’s a safe way for him to join the squad.

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      Olympic legend Bolt has reportedly tested positive for Covid-19

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      Bolt is seen singing along to Adele tunes and dancing enthusiastically next to guests

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      Bolt was given the surprise birthday party by his girlfriend, model Kasi Bennett
      “He’ll be tested as quickly as possible but everyone knows it can take 14 days for symptoms to develop. The squad meets up in less than a week.”
      Sterling, who was born in Jamaica, flew out to his home there after City lost the Champions League quarter-final. He spends each summer on the island seeing friends and family.
      Bolt was given the surprise birthday party by his girlfriend, model Kasi Bennett.
      Other famous guests included Bayer Leverkusen attacker Leon Bailey, 23, and West Indies cricket star Chris Gayle, 40.
      ‘I’M TRYING TO BE RESPONSIBLE’
      Videos show guests holding drinks and partying without masks or social distancing. Jamaica has urged islanders to restrict gatherings to 20 people.Bolt is seen singing along to Adele tunes and dancing enthusiastically next to guests.
      Sterling, in T-shirt and shorts, is seen clutching a bottle as he is embraced by one partygoer.
      Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt today said he was self-isolating after taking a test because he had to go abroad.
      He added: “I saw that social media saying I’m confirmed to have Covid-19.

      “I did a test on Saturday. I’m trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and stay here.
      “I’m having no symptoms so I’m going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol.”
      Jamaica has had 1,529 coronavirus cases and 16 deaths. But after just 174 cases in July, there have been 267 in the past four days.

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      Sterling is due to be named in the England squad to face IcelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The sprinter posted a video on social media to say he was self-isolatingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The virus scare is a nightmare for England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association

      Usain Bolt announces he is self isolating after taking coronavirus test but insists he has ‘no symptoms’
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      England squad hit by Covid-19 crisis with Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire both in virus scares

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      ENGLAND’S Nations League squad has been hit by a Covid-19 crisis — with Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire both caught up in virus scares.
      Sterling partied in Jamaica with Usain Bolt a day before the Olympic legend reportedly tested positive.

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      Raheem Sterling was pictured partying in Jamaica with Usain Bolt

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      Harry Maguire could be at risk of Covid-19 after an outbreak in a Greek courtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And there are fears over Maguire after an outbreak of the virus at a Greek court where he appeared following his arrest over a brawl.
      England boss Gareth Southgate will today name Sterling in his squad for the Nations League games against Iceland on September 5 and Denmark three days later.
      But the Manchester City striker will have to take a Covid-19 test before joining the rest of the squad.
      A source said: “This double blow has given Gareth a real headache.”

      The 25-man squad is due to meet up on Sunday and Monday.

      Sterling was pictured at Bolt’s 34th birthday party on Friday.
      Bolt today said he was self­isolating — but did not confirm a Jamaican radio station’s claim he had tested positive for Covid-19
      A source said: “Raheem feels fine and is showing no symptoms.”

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      Olympic legend, Usain Bolt, has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus

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      The pair were pictured partying without face masks or social distancing

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      Maguire escorted by police officers on the Aegean island of Syros, GreeceCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      A source says the situation is ‘a real headache’ for England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA:Press Association

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    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona confirm recent transfer signing Miralem Pjanic has tested positive for Covid-19 after transfer from Juventus

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      BARCELONA midfielder Miralem Pjanic has tested positive for coronavirus.
      The 30-year-old took a test on Saturday after “feeling some discomfort”.

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      Barcelona have confirmed their new midfielder Miralem Pjanic has coronavirus
      And having come back positive, the Bosnian is now isolating at home.
      He is said to be in good health and is recovering but will be unable to meet his new teammates for a fortnight.
      Barca tweeted to confirm the news.

      It read: “Pjanic tests positive for Covid-19 and will travel to Barcelona in 15 days.

      “Player feeling well and self-isolating.”
      Pjanic signed for Barca at the end of Juve’s season in a £48.5million deal.

      The move was announced shortly after Brazilian Arthur went the other way for £66m plus £8m in add-ons.
      Barca reportedly included a £365m release clause in Pjanic’s contract.

      But it also emerged EIGHT players at the Nou Camp have higher get out fees than their new teammate.

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