Xhaka tests positive for COVID-19, says Swiss FA

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka tested positive for COVID-19 and missed Wednesday's friendly against Greece.

Published : Sep 02, 2021 11:08 IST

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka tested positive for COVID-19 and has been isolated while his team mates went ahead with their friendly against Greece in Basel on Wednesday.

"Xhaka was diagnosed with symptoms on the morning of the game and was immediately isolated in his room. A rapid test turned out negative, the subsequent PCR test, carried out to be on the safe side, produced a positive result in the evening,” said a Swiss Football Association statement.

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The association said local health authorities had ordered no further measures for the team because the other players were all either vaccinated or had previously recovered from the virus but an unidentified staff member had to go into quarantine.

UPDATE: Xhaka to miss World Cup qualifier against Italy

Xhaka tested positive again on Thursday and will miss Sunday's World Cup qualifier against European champion Italy. The Arsenal midfielder is also unavailable for next week's qualifier away to Northern Ireland and has been replaced in the squad by Fabian Frei of Basel.

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