Pogba withdrawn from France squad after positive coronavirus test

Paris, Aug 27 (efe-epa).- French international and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has tested positive for coronavirus, France coach Didier Deschamps said Thursday.

Deschamps made the announcement while unveiling his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Sweden on Saturday and Croatia on Sept. 8.

The World Cup winner will be required to self isolate at home for the next two weeks.

Rennes’ 17-year-old midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been called up to replace Pogba.

Despite the positive test, Pogba could still be eligible for Manchester United’s Premier League season opener, against Crystal Palace on Sept. 19.

“Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season,” his club said.

The France manager said that Pogba had taken a test on Wednesday after training, which “unfortunately” had come back positive.

Deschamps also welcomed back United striker Anthony Martial, who had not been included in a France team since March 2018.

Martial was in fine form last season for United, finishing the season as the team’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions.

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has also earned a recall, although veteran Blaise Matuidi, who this summer moved to David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in the US, did not make the squad. EFE-EPA

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