European Championship holders the Netherlands have been dealt a huge blow as talismanic forward Vivianne Miedema has tested positive for Covid-19.
The Dutch came from behind to draw with Sweden in their opening group game at Euro 2022 at the weekend and had been readying themselves to face Portugal on Wednesday – a game that they will now feel they need to win.
However, their preparations have been seriously disrupted by the news that record goalscorer Miedema has tested positive for coronavirus.
A national team statement read: “Vivianne Miedema has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 and will therefore be in isolation for the next few days.
“When she no longer has any symptoms and tests negative, she can rejoin the selection.”
The Netherlands will obviously be desperate to have Arsenal star Miedema back as soon as possible as they look to top Group C – which is finely balanced as it stands with one point apiece – ahead of the much-fancied Swedes.
The holders’ final group game comes against against Switzerland on Sunday, and English head coach Mark Parsons will want his star striker on hand to fire them to the summit if required.
Miedema has become the latest big name at Euro 2022 to test positive for the virus, following teammate Jackie Groenen, England’s Lotte Wubben-Moy and Lea Schuller of Germany.