Euro 2021: positive for Covid, Portuguese Cancelo is forfeited

It is a big blow for Portugal who start their Euro with a match against Hungary at home on Tuesday in Budapest.

The reigning European champion will not be able to count on his right-back defender Joao Cancelo.

The 27-year-old, 27 caps, will not play the Euro.

Asymptomatic, Cancelo tested positive for Covid 19 on Saturday and placed in isolation.

The result was confirmed this Sunday morning.

In accordance with the medical procedure put in place by UEFA in the event of a Covid case in a team during this Euro, the Manchester City player will not be able to find his teammates after his period of isolation.

It was Diogo Dalot (22), loaned this season to AC Milan by Manchester United, who was called up to replace him.

International Portuguese hope, Dalot has no selection in A.

"The test results, with the exception of João Cancelo, were negative"

“Diogo Dalot will replace João Cancelo, who tested positive for Covid-19 following a rapid antigen test carried out by the FPF Health and Performance Unit on Saturday.

Hungarian health authorities were immediately informed and the player - who is doing well - has been placed in isolation.

In accordance with the Covid-19 protocol established by UEFA ahead of EURO 2020 matches, all players and staff underwent an RT-PCR test on Saturday.

The results, with the exception of João Cancelo, were negative, ”said the Portuguese Federation in a statement.

Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates are in group F of this Euro with the team of France and Germany.