According to reports in Senegal, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy have tested positive for COVID-19 during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Their tournament is set to kick off on Monday against Zimbabwe, but it seems as if the centre-back and shot-stopper won’t be taking part, at least for the early stages.
According to the latest reports, Senegal had three positive tests in the squad today, for Koulibaly, Mendy and Famara Diedhiou.
It was already known two days ago that there were nine COVID cases in the Senegal camp, believed to be three players and six members of staff.
The players were named by the Senegalese football federation as Pape Sarr, Nampalys Mendy and Mame Thiam.
Senegal are one of the favourites to lift the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, having lost the Final in 2019 against Algeria.
Napoli already had Victor Osimhen pull out of the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria after testing positive for COVID-19 over the Christmas break.
Famara Diedhiou, Édouard Mendy et Kalidou Koulibaly positifs au #Covid19
— Papa Mahmoud Gueye (@billmahmuud) January 8, 2022