ARSENAL left back Kieran Tierney and Celtic playmaker Ryan Christie have been forced to self-isolate for 14 days after their Scotland team mate Stuart Armstrong tested positive for Covid-19.
The SFA has been informed by UEFA that Southampton midfielder Armstrong has returned a positive coronavirus test.
The player returned a negative test after arriving at Oriam outside Edinburgh on Monday to prepare for the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel at Hampden on Thursday night.
But the supplementary UEFA test returned a positive result this morning.
Stuart will self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the test – Tuesday, October 6 - and will now be unavailable for the forthcoming international matches.
All other members of the Scotland squad have returned negative results.
However, the Lothian Health Protection Team have identified two players and two members of the backroom staff as close contacts.
As a consequence, Tierney and Christie – along with one physiotherapist and one masseur - will require to self-isolate for 14 days as of yesterday and will also miss the forthcoming matches.
Scotland chief medical consultant Dr John MacLean has been in constant dialogue with the Scottish government’s clinical adviser on Covid and sports.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: “While this is obviously disappointing news the most important thing is the health and safety of the individuals involved and the wider group.
“As soon as we were informed of the positive test, the chief medical consultant immediately contacted the Scottish government’s clinical adviser, who in turn alerted the local Health Protection Team.
“We have informed the respective clubs from whom we have borrowed the players and backroom staff and we now have to prepare for a huge match ahead tomorrow.”
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “We were made aware of the positive test this morning and I reiterate Steve’s view that the health and safety of those involved is paramount. We will maintain constant dialogue with Dr John MacLean to ensure that those who are required to self-isolate are given the full support of the Scottish FA in conjunction with their clubs and employers.
“Equally, the protocols and procedures in place are designed to ensure that the remaining members of the squad – who have all returned two rounds of negative tests – can continue to prepare for the forthcoming matches in a safe and secure environment.”
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