Cillessen is tested positive for COVID-19 & will miss Euro 2020 for Netherlands

Netherlands have been deal a blow to their European Championships bid after Jasper Cillessen was ruled out of the tournament after testing positive for coronavirus.The 32-year-old was not only in contention to start at the Euros but was also given the number one shirt by Frank de Boer, but he will now not feature at all after contracting the virus.AZ Alkmaar shot stopper Marco Bizot has been drafted into the Oranje squad just a week before the tournament arrives, to compete alongside Tim Krul and Maarten Stekelenburg for the international gloves.Holland boss de Boer admitted it was a difficult choice to leave Cillessen out of the squad entirely, but claimed he did not know whether the Valencia goalkeeper would be fully fit by the time the tournament began.The Oranje boss told a press conference on Tuesday: ‘I informed Jasper of my decision this morning. Let me start by saying that I find this incredibly unpleasant for Jasper.’But I had to take the plunge. He is known to have tested positive for corona. As a result, he missed an important part of the preparation. We don’t know how long it will take until he is 100 per cent fit again. I don’t want to take any chances in that regard.’We are on the eve of a European Championship and I want certainty, however, I think it is for Jasper. I find it very sad for Jasper, I actually have the most to do with it.’But I do think it is justified. He wouldn’t make it to the first game anyway, and you don’t know what else it does to your body. I now have three fit players at my disposal.’Stand-in goalkeeper Bizot was training with the Netherlands side already so his transition into the team is easy, despite Cillessen’s absence.But it marks an unfortunate period of time for the Valencia shot stopper who has struggled with various injuries over the course of the season.A mixture of knee and muscle problems limited the Dutchman to just 10 appearances this season, with Cillessen also missing the last two international breaks due to being on the sidelines.Norwich goalkeeper Krul, who recently secured promotion to the top-flight with the Canaries and travelled with Holland in their last two tournament appearances, is expected to deputise in Cillessen’s absence