Euro 2020: Spain brings in 4 new players after captain Sergio Busquets tests positive for COVID-19

The Spanish national team has started looking for alternatives, in case Sergio Busquets’ COVID-19 situation worsens. The FC Barcelona midfielder and current Spanish captain Sergio Busquets tested positive of COVID-19 on Sunday.

As to how the Spaniard contracted the virus from within the training bubble, is a big question mark. Sergio Busquets has currently been separated from the rest of the team. Although he tested positive, the midfielder is asymptomatic.

Spain brings in alternatives for Sergio Busquets

The rest of the team has tested negative for the virus but the players have still been isolated for safety purposes. Due to the same reason, Spain’s second friendly against Lithuania had to be called off. It was later announced that the match will be played by Spain’s under 21 team. The federation has offered a refund to the ones who bought the tickets and do not want to see the match, and discount to the ones who do want to see the match. Meanwhile, the situation is now being closely monitored.

Sergio Busquets will have to stay in isolation for the next 10 days, which means that he is very likely to miss Spain’s first match of Euro 2020 against Sweden.

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Rodrigo Moreno, Pablo Fornals, Carlos Soler and Brais Mendez have been already summoned as alternatives, in case the situation worsens or the process is delayed. The four players are currently training aloof from the rest of the team.

Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF’s) statement

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) released a statement confirming they have taken the precautionary measure.

“In anticipation of the possible consequences that the positive test of Sergio Busquets could bring, the coaching staff has decided to incorporate a group of footballers to complete training during the next few days under Luis Enrique’s orders within a parallel bubble,” the statement read.

“Tomorrow, the players Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds United), Pablo Fornals (West Ham United), Carlos Soler (Valencia CF) and Brais Mendez (RC Celta) will join the sessions in Las Rozas.

“In addition, once the game against Lithuania is over, a small group of footballers yet to be confirmed will join the training sessions of the senior team under the same conditions as the previous ones. They will train at different times and will not mix in any case with those already called up.”

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Spain has been placed in group E in Euro 2020, alongside Sweden, Slovakia and Poland. Given the current form of the spanish side, they are undoubtedly the favourites to top their group. The La Furia Roja are also one of the favourites to win the competition this year.

Spain have jointly won the Euros the most number of times (3 times) along with germany. They last won the tournament in 2012, during their golden era. Although Spain lacks a power packed squad this year, under the guidance of experienced manager Luis Enrique, this young Spanish side can do wonders.

However, if Sergio Busquets is indeed unable to continue in the tournament for having contracted the virus, it will indeed be a big blow to them.

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