Euro 2022: Vivianne Miedema in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 | OneFootball

Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema has tested positive for Covid-19 and will therefore miss the Netherlands’ 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.

“Vivianne Miedema has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 and will therefore be in isolation for the next few days,” the statement said.

“When she no longer has any symptoms and tests negative, she can rejoin the team.”

How big a loss is Miedema?

Miedema is the Netherlands’ 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 year’s Tokyo Olympics, Miedema broke the Olympic goal-scoring record by netting ten times in four matches.

The Netherlands’ will no doubt miss their star striker, who has also adopted a key leadership role in recent years.

Yet, Mark Parsons’ side has already faced Sweden –– considered by many to be the strongest team in the group.

Miedema’s absence may not be as critical for the Netherlands’, who play Portugal in their next game –– 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.

Another blow for the Netherlands

The Netherlands’ problems are going from bad to worse at the moment, with goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal forced to leave the squad with a shoulder injury.

Feyenoord’s 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.

Covid-19 cases starting to grow

There are barely any Covid-related restrictions at this year’s 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, England’s Lotte-Wubben-Moy, Germany’s Lea Schuller, Italy’s Valentina Cernoia, Austria’s Laura Wienroither and Finland’s 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.