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.
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.