Five Republic of Ireland players stood down from Wales clash on Covid-19 grounds
Five players have been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League clash with Wales on Sunday afternoon after one of them tested positive for coronavirus.
The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed one unnamed player tested positive on Friday following the squad’s return from Slovakia after a negative test on Monday, and four others deemed to be close contacts on Saturday night – the PA news agency understands to be John Egan, Callum Robinson, Callum O’Dowda and Alan Browne – have since been stood down.
An FAI statement said: “Stephen Kenny’s Ireland squad has received one positive COVID-19 test result ahead of today’s Nations League game against Wales at the Aviva Stadium, after the latest round of UEFA testing.
Positive COVID-19 test result received by Ireland squad member
The player and four other players, deemed close contacts, have been stood down for today's game against Wales
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“A player – who cannot be named at this time – tested positive on Friday after a negative test on Monday but his case is not related in any way to that of the backroom team member who tested positive on Monday last.
“Talks with the HSE late last night identified four other players as close contacts of this positive case and they have been stood down from the matchday squad for today’s game against Wales.”
