Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema has tested positive for Covid-19 and will therefore miss the Netherlandsâ next Euro 2022 match against Portugal. In a statement, the Dutch national side confirmed that the Arsenal forward had contracted the virus and has entered into isolation for the time being. âVivianne Miedema has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 and will therefore be in isolation for the next few days,â the statement said. âWhen she no longer has any symptoms and tests negative, she can rejoin the team.â
How big a loss is Miedema?
Miedema is the Netherlandsâ record goalscorer, with 94 goals in 112 games.
The 25-year-old made her international debut nine years ago and was a key part of the Dutch side that won Euro 2017.
At last yearâs Tokyo Olympics, Miedema broke the Olympic goal-scoring record by netting ten times in four matches.
The Netherlandsâ will no doubt miss their star striker, who has also adopted a key leadership role in recent years.Â
Yet, Mark Parsonsâ side has already faced Sweden ââ considered by many to be the strongest team in the group.Â
Miedemaâs absence may not be as critical for the Netherlandsâ, who play Portugal in their next game ââ a team ranked 30th in the world.
The big question will be how quickly Miemema recovers from the virus. The time it takes to produce a negative test depends on the individual and it can take more than a week to recover.Â
Another blow for the Netherlands
The Netherlandsâ problems are going from bad to worse at the moment, with goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal forced to leave the squad with a shoulder injury.
Feyenoordâs Jacintha Weimar has been called up to take her place, having initially been named on the standby list.
Aniek Nouwen has also picked up a knock and is likely to miss the Portugal game, but is excepted to be back for the final group game.Â
SHOPÂ OURÂ NEWÂ EUROÂ 2022Â LEAHÂ WILLIAMSONÂ TâSHIRTÂ HERE
Covid-19 cases starting to grow
There are barely any Covid-related restrictions at this yearâs Euros, yet the rising number of cases among teams in the competition is beginning to become a problem.
Miedema is not the first Dutch player to test positive, with Jackie Groenen also contracting the virus.
Elsewhere, Englandâs Lotte-Wubben-Moy, Germanyâs Lea Schuller, Italyâs Valentina Cernoia, Austriaâs Laura Wienroither and Finlandâs Tuija Hyyrynen have all missed matches at the tournament due to Covid.
According to inews, Covid testing protocols are in place at the tournament, unlike other sporting events to have taken place in England recently, such as Wimbledon.Â
As it stands, teams are not able to call up new players if members of their squad test positive.