Portugal suffers a big setback as a key player withdraws from the squad for Euro 2020

SPORT

A significant setback has befallen Portugal ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Hungary on Tuesday. Joao Cancelo, a defender for Portugal, was forced to withdraw from the squad over the weekend after testing positive for the coronavirus [COVID-19]. Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at AC Milan, has taken his spot as the Manchester City star’s replacement.

“Under-21 international Diogo Dalot will join the National Team’s group in Budapest to prepare for his debut at Euro 2020,” the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement.

Joao Cancelo, who tested positive for a virus, will be replaced by the AC Milan player.

A quick antigen test conducted by the FPF Health and Performance Unit on Saturday revealed that he was positive for Covid-19.

“On Saturday, all players and members of the entourage were subjected to RT-PCR tests. Except  Joao Cancelo, the results were all negative.”

Portugal is grouped with Hungary, France, and Germany in Group F.