Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty, the Egyptian Football Association has announced.
The 28-year-old is not showing any symptoms but tested positive on arrival in Togo for Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.
On Monday, the Premier League announced 16 positive results from 1,207 players and club staff tested for coronavirus between 9 and 15 November. Those players and staff who tested positive will self-isolate for 10 days.
Elneny’s result comes after his Egypt team-mate, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.
The Egyptian FA said Elneny had previously returned three negative tests since going on international duty, including one after their home 1-0 win over Togo on Saturday, when the midfielder played the full 90 minutes.
Elneny has featured 11 times for Arsenal in all competitions this season, with the Gunners 11th in the Premier League and top of their Europa League group.
He has returned to Cairo where he will be tested again but could now miss Arsenal’s Premier League game at Leeds on Sunday (16:30 GMT) and a Europa League tie in Norway against Molde on 26 November (17:55).
Earlier on Monday, the Republic of Ireland announced that Tottenham defender Matt Doherty and Stoke midfielder James McClean had tested positive for coronavirus after the 1-0 Nations League loss to Wales on Sunday evening.
Spurs manager Jose Mourinho, who will now be without Doherty for Saturday’s home Premier League game against Manchester City (17:30 GMT), posted a sarcastic message on Instagram.
It said: “Amazing week of football. Great emotions in the national team matches, superb friendlies and total safety.
“Covid test results after matches been played, randomers running on the pitch while team sessions are taking place and much more.
“After another training session with only six players, it is now time to take care of myself.”
Discussion about this post