Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka ruled out of Nations League games after testing Covid-19 positive

After testing positive for COVID-19, Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Leon Goretzka will miss their upcoming Nations League matches against Hungary and England, the team said on Wednesday. Team spokesperson Franziska Wuelle announced at a press conference that both players would be checking out of the team hotel later in the day.

Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann has been called up to replace Neuer, while there would be more call-ups later on Wednesday, the German Football Association (DFB) said. The Germans play Hungary on Friday before traveling to England on Sept. 26 as they fine-tune the team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar starting in November.

A statement on Wednesday read: “Leon Goretzka (27) and Manuel Neuer (36) tested positive for Coronavirus on Wednesday morning.

“Both national players from FC Bayern Munchen were isolated and will leave the team hotel.

“Due to a positive Coronavirus test within one of the players’ private circles, the medical team conducted a rapid antigen test on the whole national team.

“All members of the coaching staff and the team are required to test negative before traveling. Confirmed contact of both players will be tested daily.”

Germany are second in their Nations League group and face Hungary on Friday before traveling to Wembley Stadium to face England next Monday. The 2014 World Cup champions are not the only side to have been disrupted during the recent international break, with France making a number of changes to their squad due to a host of injuries.