Sydney FC defender Ryan McGowan tests positive for COVID-19 during practice in Scotland

“Of course he trained there and was just getting fit, but we’ve had some bad news with him in the last few days,” said coach Steve Corica.

“He’s actually not having any symptoms. He’s feeling fine, but he obviously needs to quarantine another 10 days and then take another test before he comes. He’s been through a few days. I hope he will be before the 20th . to be there.” . “

The Sky Blues are already having to do without first-choice goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, who has chosen to suspend the ACL to stay with his pregnant wife, who is due to be born in January.

Now McGowan’s absence leaves another key player short of a series of games against Shanghai SIPG, Yokohama F. Marinos and Jeonbuk Motors.

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Sydney FC will depart for Qatar on Saturday morning after a formidable 3-0 win over the Olyroos at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Thursday night.

Paulo Retre, Trent Buhagiar and Alexander Baumjohann scored goals in the first half in a straight win for Corica’s men, who only received official NSW government permission to travel earlier in the day.

Players and staff continue to be very reluctant to fly to Qatar, where around 200 new COVID-19 cases are recorded daily. However, they acknowledge that, in the face of severe sanctions from the AFC, they have no choice but to refuse.

There is still some uncertainty about the tournament – Malaysian team Johor Darul Ta’zim was banned from leaving the country by their government on Thursday and had to withdraw, although this has no direct impact on the three A-. League teams in the group stage.

Corica said his understanding is that despite the suggestions, Chinese teams will be there that they too struggled to get official approval.

Success will come at a high price for the Sky Blues – if they get past the round of 16 they will be in quarantine over Christmas.

“It’s not easy,” said Corica. “If we are out of the group we will of course be home before Christmas, but we want to do well in competition so we will do our best in every game and see what happens.”

“You never know what can happen, but it would be very difficult if we missed Christmas. A lot of the boys have young families, including small babies. It’s going to be difficult, but it’s something we have to do right now.”