Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew tests positive for Covid-19 after returning from Ghana international duty but he reveals he’s asymptomatic
- Ayew returned from international duty on Friday after scoring twice for Ghana
- The 29-year-old had to watch from home as the Eagles drew 1-1 with Brighton
- Alexis Mac Allister equalised in the 90th minute after Wilfried Zaha’s opener
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Jordan Ayew is the latest Premier League player to contract Covid-19 after testing positive on Friday having returned from international duty with Ghana.
Ayew missed his side’s 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday as he must self-isolate for 10 days and then test negative before returning to training.
Speaking after his side conceded a late equaliser against the Seagulls, Hodgson confirmed the news while admitting he was reluctant to let the player go away with Ghana.
Crystal Palace squandered a 1-0 lead as they had to make do without one of their best players
Ayew has scored 11 goals in 69 games in all competitions for the Eagles since his debut in 2018
‘I don’t know [when we’ll have him back],’ the 73-year-old said.
‘We have to follow the relative government and Premier League guidelines before we see him again.
‘He’s been away with Ghana, which we weren’t exactly delighted to accept that he had to do. Like several other Ghanaian players, I believe when they have gone back to their clubs, they have tested positive.’
In a tweet, Ayew said: ‘Sadly, I have tested positive for Covid-19 & have begun my quarantine in line with the health guidance.
‘Thankfully, I am feeling fine & do not have any symptoms. I will be cheering the boys on from home & look forward to being back on the pitch soon. Stay safe.’
The 29-year-old’s international team-mate Bernard Mensah has also tested positive for Covid-19 after returning to Turkish side Besiktas.
Wilfried Zaha dispatched the penalty after Michy Batshuayi was manhandled by Tariq Lamptey
Alexis Mac Allister’s goal in the last minute of normal time was his first for the Seagulls
Lewis Dunk looks away in disgust after being sent off for a reckless challenge on Gary Cahill
Ayew scored twice in Ghana’s 5-1 friendly win over Qatar on Monday, having lost 3-0 to Mali in another friendly three days earlier.
A number of the Premier League’s biggest names have tested positive for the virus in recent months, including Paul Pogba, Thiago Alcantara and Riyad Mahrez.
Crystal Palace could have done with his energy up front against Brighton as they failed to build on Wilfried Zaha’s 19th-minute penalty and were made to pay in the 90th minute when Alexis Mac Allister popped up with an equaliser before Lewis Dunk was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Gary Cahill.