Paul Pogba left out of France squad after testing positive for coronavirus

Manchester United midfielder won't feature in Nations League

Manchester United's French midfielder Paul Pogba has tested positive for coronavirus. AFP

Manager Didier Deschamps excluded Paul Pogba from the France squad announced on Thursday for next month's Nations League after the midfielder tested positive for Covid-19.

World Cup winner and Manchester United star Pogba has been replaced by teenager Eduardo Camavinga, who was called up for the first time alongside Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar and RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

Deschamps told a press conference: "I've completed at the very last minute a change in the list, because Paul Pogba, who was previously on the list, unfortunately for him he carried out a test yesterday which was returned as positive this morning.

"So at the last moment he had to be replaced by Eduardo Camavinga."

United added in a statement: "Pogba has been replaced in the squad after testing positive for Covid-19. The midfielder will be unable to add to his 69 caps and 10 goals for his country in the games next month.

"Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season."

Deschamps also gave a surprise recall to Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who fell out with the coach after asking to be taken off the list of reserve players for the 2018 World Cup.

Anthony Martial regained his place in the squad following an impressive season with Manchester United, where he finished as the club’s joint-top scorer with 17 Premier League goals. He last played for France in March 2018.

France travel to play Sweden near Stockholm on September 5 and then host Croatia at Stade de France three days later.

________________

Manchester United season ratings