Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, has been left out of the France squad after testing positive for coronavirus, coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed.
The 27-year-old had been named in the world champions’ squad for upcoming fixtures against Croatia and Sweden but has now been forced out of consideration for selection.
Speaking at his press conference after the squad announcement, Deschamps said: “I was led, at the very last minute, to make a change in the list. Paul Pobga was in this list. Unfortunately for him, he took a test yesterday, which turned out positive. So at the last moment, I had to replace him with Eduardo Camavinga.”
Pogba has been replaced in Deschamps’ squad by Rennes midfielder, Camavinga, while international team-mate, Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham, also misses out.
It means Pogba will have to spend 14 days in isolation – meaning he will miss the start of Man Utd’s pre-season preparations, which begin next week following their extended 2019-20 season as they reached the Europa League semi-finals.
However, he should be able to play in United’s first game of the 2020-21 Premier League season, against Crystal Palace on September 19.
The Red Devils start their domestic season a week later than most of their rivals to allow them additional rest due to their exploits in Europe.
Pogba is said to be asymptomatic, however the positive test means Deschamps has no option but to leave out one of his key players for the first set of men’s international fixtures played in Europe this calendar year.
