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Stress, uncertainty jinx Spain to begin Euro 2020 as it began Russia 2018

Madrid, Jun 7 (EFE).- The positive Covid-19 result of Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets has plunged the national team into a state of uncertainty just days before Euro 2020 is due to kick-off, dredging up uncomfortable memories of the 2018 Russia World Cup and the untimely departure of then-manager Julen Lopetegui.

The two events have little in common but their crucially unfortunate timing, as the Spanish team wraps up preparations for the Uefa Euro 2020, and the all but certain disturbance for the group’s focus after a week-long state of calm and team bonding with no surprises up till Sunday.

One week before Spain’s debut, scheduled June 14 against Sweden, the captain Busquets tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday morning, when the players were tested on their rest day after a week-long bubble lifestyle deliberately designed to avoid infections.

The rest of the team tested negative for Covid-19, but the protocols required by the authorities in these cases were immediately applied.

Busquets left the training camp in a medical vehicle and was isolated to prevent further infections among players and staff.

The team’s preparation for Euro 2020 will continue with personalized individual routines in isolation.

The opportune decisions over Busquets’ participation will be considered soon depending on how the situation evolves, according to the Spanish Football Federation.

To top it off, the Spanish Euro 2020 squad will miss out on the friendly preparation match against Lithuania scheduled for Tuesday, which will be carried out with Spain Under 21 players instead.

One week before Spain debuts in the European tourney, the national team lost its captain, an experienced leader for a youthful squad and the only one remaining from the class of South Africa 2010 that achieved Spain’s first World Cup.

It is still not known whether his condition will allow him to jump into the championship further down the line, or if he will be replaced before the competition kicks off.

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