Man City goalkeeper Zack Steffen, 26, has tested positive for coronavirus and will not travel to the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier in Honduras, the U.S. Soccer confirmed.
What’s happened?
Zack, who was replaced on the US side by NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson, was left out of the team for the World Cup Opener Qualifier against El Salvador due to a back injury. This injury also ruled him out for Sunday’s qualifier against Canada, and Zack Steffen is now recruiting to miss the final game of the international break due to his positive audition. The federation said in a statement that the U.S. Soccer has confirmed that goalkeeper Steffen has tested positive for the coronavirus and will not travel to Honduras for the USA men’s World Cup qualifier on September 8 in San Pedro Sula. He will be replaced in the roster by Jonhson.
The 26-year-old Zack’s positive has been confirmed by rigorous serial testing according to the Covid-19 protocols of American football. Following his initial positive test, Zack Steffen was quarantined and contact tracing was initiated by U.S. medical personnel. Soccer. His positive result was confirmed by additional testing that ended today. Apart from Zack, another member of the delegation also tested positive and went through the same protocol. All potential contacts – players and staff alike – have tested negative in multiple tests since Zack Steffen’s initial positive and were admitted to participate.
A little about the topic
Several goalkeepers are currently vying for the No. 1 spot in the US, with 26-year-old Zack Steffen heading to the World Cup qualifiers as the leader of the race. After a strong Gold Cup, however, Turner looks set to challenge Zack Steffen for the role, with the New England Revolution goalkeeper starting the opening against El Salvador. Horvath is also in the mixed doubles after saving a penalty after being injured by Zack’s in the Nations League final against Mexico this summer.