Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar tests positive for coronavirus just a day before the Tottenham and Fulham target was set to feature in Slovakia’s crunch Euro 2020 play-off against Republic of Ireland
- Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar has tested positive for COVID-19 on Slovakia duty
- The centre-back has been ruled out of his country’s Euro 2020 play-off v Ireland
- Skriniar’s Inter Milan team-mate has also returned a positive coronavirus test
Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar has tested positive for coronavirus on the eve of his country’s crucial Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Republic of Ireland.
Slovakia’s preparations for the crunch clash have been plunged into uncertainty after he returned the positive test while on international duty.
The nation were already set to be without midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who is being forced to quarantine along with his Napoli team-mates.
Inter Milan has tested positive for coronavirus on international duty with the Slovakia team
Skriniar’s Inter Milan team-mate Alessandro Bastoni has also tested positive for COVID-19 amid fear of rising cases in Serie A. Last week the entire Juventus squad were forced to isolate after two non-playing staff members picked up the virus.
It gives Ireland a huge chance of winning the game with Lobotka and Skriniar two of Slovakia’s best players. And goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is also set to miss out through injury.
Skriniar was a huge target for Premier League sides in the recent transfer window and Tottenham held talks with Inter Milan over a possible move last month.
Skriniar’s Inter team-mate Allesandro Bastoni has also returned a positive COVID-19 test
The defender is one of a number of stars out for Slovakia ahead of a key game against Ireland
However, the two clubs were far apart in their valuation of the player – with the Italian side seeking around £52million for the centre-back. Spurs pulled out of negotiations as they were unable to reach a compromise.
Fulham were also rumoured to have entered the race to sign him by launching a shock move for his signature to stave off their relegation fears, but the Whites failed to bring him to Craven Cottage and he ended up staying put.
The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the most talented centre-backs in the game during his three years at the San Siro. He has played 130 games for the Italian giants and featured 42 times under Antonio Conte as his team reached the Europa League final and battled for the Serie A title.