Major blow for Man United – star player isolating, doubt for clash v West Brom – report
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani could miss this weekend’s game against West Brom as he is isolating with his Uruguay teammates after the squad suffered a COVID-19 outbreak, according to El Observador.
Several members of Uruguay’s staff and some players have tested positive for the coronavirus during the current international break including Atletico Madrid pair Luis Suarez and Lucas Torreira.
According to Uruguayan outlet El Observator, Cavani and his international teammates are now all isolating in a hotel in the country’s capital of Montevideo.
Each player is in a separate room, as per FIFA’s COVID protocols and it remains to be seen whether Cavani will be allowed to play, or even travel back to England to face West Brom this weekend.
The 33-year-old was sent off in Uruguay’s last game against Brazil after he accidentally stood on Everton forward Richarlison’s shin.
He scored his first goal in the red of Man United in his last outing against Richarlison’s club side as he looks to have found his feet in the Premier League.
United may have several absentees when they line up against Albion on Saturday night with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood among the players who have picked up knocks while on international duty.
If Cavani is still isolating in Uruguay as of Thursday morning it means he only has a few days to return a negative COVID test and return to the UK before potentially playing against the Baggies.
It also isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Cavani will test positive for the coronavirus himself as it seems to have spread to a decent number of the Uruguay players and staff.
Albion face a tough task when they travel to Old Trafford and the unavailability of Cavani would provide a small boost for Slaven Bilic’s men as they look to win their first league game of the season.
In other West Brom news, David Coote will referee Saturday’s tie against the Red Devils after being controversially taken off VAR duty in another Premier League game.
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