Blow for Everton as Alex Iwobi tests positive for Covid-19
Last Updated: March 28, 2021 2:16 pm
Everton star Alex Iwobi has returned a positive test for Covid-19, according to the latest reports in his home country of Nigeria.
Nigeria blow
Wide-man Iwobi was expected to take part this evening, when the Super Eagles faced off against Benin.
The clash marks an important one in AFCON qualifying, with the two nations vying out for top spot in Group L.
But, as outlined above, just hours before kick-off at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, visitors Nigeria were dealt a blow on the personnel front.
This came in the form of confirmation that key attacker Iwobi would be playing no part in proceedings, after testing positive for Covid-19:
BREAKING: Iwobi Tests Positive For Covid-19, Out Of Benin Clash https://t.co/8l7ACpPyEs
— Complete Sports (@CompleteSports) March 27, 2021
The Everton star will now enter a period of self isolation in his home country, before sitting out Nigeria’s meeting with Lesotho next Tuesday, too.
Benin pair Rodrigue Kossi and Jacques Bessan, meanwhile, also returned positive coronavirus tests.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Alex Iwobi of Everton
celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on September 01, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Toffees enter home stretch
Iwobi’s potential participation next time out at club level has of course now also been thrown very much up in the air.
Everton are set to return to action on Monday the 5th of April, in a Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have been forced to deal without a host of important players of late, with the likes of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure having been sidelined for extended stretches.
In turn, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men in the thick of the battle for European football, the Italian will no doubt be keen to hear that Iwobi is recovering in a timely fashion over the coming week.
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This article was edited by Josh Barker.
Everton betting odds, next game:
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| # | Team | MP | D | P |
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| Maguire, Harry | Manchester United FC | 0 | 9 |
| Lundstram, John | Sheffield United FC | 1 | 8 |
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| Kane, Harry | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 13 |
| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 11 |
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| De Bruyne, Kevin | Manchester City FC | 10 |
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