Juventus ace Manuel Locatelli has suffered a Covid-19 blow
Manuel Locatelli, a midfielder for Juventus, has tested positive for COVID-19, a setback for the Serie A club and the Italian national team. The 24-year-old is expected to miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Salernitana, and depending on his rehabilitation, he could also miss the World Cup qualification play-off against North Macedonia next week. The results of the test were made public on Thursday, a day after Locatelli played 83 minutes in Juventus’ 3-0 loss to Villarreal, which saw them exit the Champions League.
Juventus said in a statement: “Juventus Football Club announces that Manuel Locatelli’s COVID-19 positivity emerged today. The player, in agreement with the local health authority, has already been placed in solitary confinement.”
The Turin giants were denied a place in the quarter-finals after surrendering three times in the final 12 minutes — twice after Locatelli was removed.
With nine rounds remaining in Serie A, Juventus is still in with a chance of fighting for the Scudetto, sitting fourth and seven points behind leaders Milan.
The news of Locatelli’s positive test is certain to worry Italy manager Roberto Mancini as he finalizes plans for the Azzurri’s forthcoming bid to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The European champions will face North Macedonia in Palermo on March 24, with the victor advancing to a match against Portugal or Turkey on March 29 to determine who will play in the finals.
