Confusion over Brazilian national team’s statement on Alex Telles’ possible second positive COVID test
Last Updated: November 16, 2020 6:36 pm
Telles confusion
New Manchester United left-back Alex Telles has been unable to feature too often for Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s side due to illness. So far, the Brazilian international has only been able to play in the 2-1 away win at PSG.
Despite his lack of game time, Telles was still called up to the Brazilian national side for the current round of matches. He came on as a substitute against Venezuela in Brazil’s 1-0 win.
Confusion has arisen however as a statement released by the Selecao appeared to confirm that Telles had again tested positive for COVID-19.
“Arana was called on to form the Brazilian squad after left-back Alex Telles tested positive for Covid-19. The player had contracted the virus while still in his club, Manchester United, and is no longer in a transmissive stage.”
“A new examination will be carried out with the entire delegation on Sunday. If the test result is again positive, Alex Telles will be recalled.”
The statement is unclear as to whether Telles’ positive result is due to a new test carried out whilst with Manchester United or the previous test which returned confirming he was infected.
Ole confirms that Alex Telles has tested positive for COVID-19. We wish him a speedy recovery and a swift return to the group ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/vrNAZLPScx
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 28, 2020
With Telles playing already for Brazil, it would be likely to assume that the test is in reference to the original positive.
Left-back problems
In the event that Alex Telles returns to United and cannot play, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have a selection nightmare on his hands.
A statement on the Manchester United website read: ‘Our no.23 picked up a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Shaw, who assisted Bruno Fernandes’s equaliser in that game, had to be substituted for Axel Tuanzebe midway through the second half.’
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Luke Shaw of Manchester United looks dejected as he is forced off with a injury during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on April 30, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
It can now be confirmed that the 25-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines, meaning he could miss upcoming Premier League games against West Brom, Southampton and West Ham, as well as Champions League clashes with Istanbul Basaksehir, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.’
With Telles a doubt, Solskjaer may have to return to faith in youth talent. Brandon Williams has already played senior football for the Red Devils in the position whilst Axel Tuanzebe is a versatile option with more recent senior minutes in the middle.
Covid-19 behind Alex Telles’ absence for Man United vs Leipzig
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This article was edited by Josh Barker.
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