Ukraine reports 5 virus cases before Germany game

The Ukraine Football Association reported five cases of the coronavirus on Friday, one day before its national team’s Nations League game against Germany.

Players Andrii Yarmolenko, Serhii Sydorchuk, Viktor Kovalenko and Viktor Tsyhankov, and staff member Vadym Komardin all tested positive for COVID-19.

The association said they remained isolated in their hotel rooms while the rest of the team went training. Ukraine can still call on 17 outfield players and four goalkeepers for Saturday’s game in Leipzig.

“Tomorrow we’ll have another round of tests,” Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko said. “So far we are waiting on information about the game, particularly from UEFA.”

UEFA's health protocols allow a game to go ahead as long as both opponents have at least 12 outfield players and one goalkeeper available.

But local health authorities in Leipzig will have the final say on whether the game goes ahead. The next round of tests is due to take place around 2 p.m. local time Saturday, after which a decision will be taken on whether the whole team needs to quarantine.

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