Russia's Mario Fernandes tests COVID-19 positive ahead of Nations League match with Turkey

CSKA's Mario Fernandes, wearing face mask and gloves, passes through a disinfection tunnel to protect the spread of coronavirus before the Russia Soccer Premier League soccer match between CSKA Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg at CSKA Arena in Moscow, Russia, June 20, 2020. (Denis Tyrin, PFC CSKA Pool photo via AP)

by DAILY SABAH

Oct 10, 2020 6:46 pm

Russian national football team announced Saturday that veteran right-back Mario Fernandes tested positive for COVID-19 and dropped from the squad ahead of Sunday's UEFA Nations League match against Turkey.

Fernandes, 30, was diagnosed after he was tested along with other players Friday for UEFA's pre-match mandatory testing.

He was isolated from the rest of the squad and does not show any symptoms, the team said in a statement, adding that rest of the squad tested negative.

No other player was included in the squad to replace the Brazilian-born defender, who is playing for CSKA Moscow.

Russia currently holds the lead in Group 3 of League B with two victories, while Turkey is the third spot with a draw and loss.