Absent Against Brighton, Crystal Palace Striker Jordan Ayew Turns Out To Be Positive For COVID-19

Jordan Ayew (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew has tested positive for COVID-19, which made him miss his team against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at Selhurst Park, London, Sunday, October 18.

This was confirmed by Palace manager, Roy Hodgson, in an interview after the match which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"The test came back positive on Friday stated he COVID-19 after defending the Ghana national team," Hodgson said quoted by Antara on Monday.

"Like some of the other Ghanaian players, I believe that when they return to their club they are also positive. We must follow the protocol before we can meet Ayew again," he added.

Ayew appeared to defend Ghana in two international friendlies on October 10 and 12 against Mali and Qatar. When Ghana was defeated Mali Ayew appeared the full 90 minutes, while against Qatar he only played 84 minutes and contributed one assist in the 5-1 win.

Ayew's absence gave Chelsea loan striker Michy Batshuayi the opportunity to start early on and win a penalty that Wilfried Zaha converted in the 19th minute.

👑 Get well soon, Jordan. #CPFC | https://t.co/utMcYSDkhb https://t.co/8ymALzi7z8

- Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) October 18, 2020

Batshuayi also found the ball against Brighton at the start of the second half, but his goal was ruled out because he was caught offside.

Later Palace's lead was erased by a late goal scored by Alexis Mac Allister for Brighton.

"We got results that match our performance. In the defense sector I am quite satisfied, just a little disappointed it could not last five minutes longer," concluded Hodgson.

Frustrating 😒 pic.twitter.com/4JfIkpTm5s

- Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) October 18, 2020

The result leaves Palace yet to move from 12th place in the standings with seven points, before traveling to Fulham headquarters on Saturday.