Setback For Manchester United As Star Midfielder Tests Positive For COVID-19

France's national team manager Didier Deschamps confirmed Thursday that Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba has tested positive for COVID-19. Pogba will self-isolate himself for 14 days, according to BBC Sport.

Pogba, who had not played for the French national team for more than a year, was set to make a comeback during the upcoming UEFA Nations League. Unfortunately, he will now miss France’s Nations League opening fixture in Sweden, followed by a home fixture against Croatia. However, the midfielder is expected to be available for selection for Man Utd's Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Sept. 19 at Old Trafford.

"Everyone at #MUFC wishes Paul Pogba a safe and speedy recovery after testing positive for COVID-19 Red heart," said Man Utd on Twitter.

"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," read Man Utd’s statement, as reported by Sky Sports.

Pogba will be replaced by 17-year-old Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in France’s squad for the Nations League, according to a report in BBC Sport. The other young players in the list are Lyon's Houssem Aouar and RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano, both rewarded for their impressive Champions League performances.

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

After the self-isolation period, Pogba will be re-tested, and if negative, only then the 27-year-old will be allowed to return to training.

The 2020-21 Premier League seasons will kickstart on Sept. 12, while The Red Devils will be in action only seven days later when they host Crystal Palace. Pogba missed the majority of the last season due to various injuries. He scored just once in as many as 22 competitive matches. However, he played a vital role towards the end of Man Utd’s Premier League campaign, where the Old Trafford side managed to finish third in the table and clinched Champions League play for the upcoming campaign.