CBF says that cases of flu in the Brazilian team in the World Cup are not a concern

Despite flu symptoms in three players during the World Cup in Qatar, the medical department of the Brazilian team decided not to test anyone for Covid-19.

Three days ago, Antony stayed out of training because he had a cough and a sore throat. Lucas Paquetá, on the other hand, felt unwell.

After the victory over Switzerland by 1-0 this Monday (28), Vinicius Junior said that Neymar, who is recovering from an ankle injury, had “a little fever”.

There is no FIFA protocol for the World Cup that requires players to be tested for symptoms. There is only one recommendation.

“Didn’t even come close to auditioning [para o coronavírus]”, said the coordinator of selections, Juninho Paulista.

Worried about the symptoms, Antony even questioned the national team’s doctors on the subject, but heard in response that there was no indication that any athlete on the national team had Covid.

For doctors, the flu cases are mild and are due to Qatar’s climate. Temperatures during the day are around 30ºC, but the air is dry. In any closed environment, the air conditioning is strong.

The constant heat shock between environments is the reason for athletes’ problems, they believe.

“I ended up feeling unwell for a few days and it complicated me a bit. I’m recovering well and [estou] almost 100%”, said Antony, who entered during the second half of the game against the Swiss, the second of the team in the World Cup.

One of the reassurance reasons for doctors is the players’ isolation. In a separate wing of the hotel, contact with people outside the group of athletes, the coaching staff and the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, has been restricted.

Not even their food is shared with other CBF employees.

The Brazilian team returns to the field in the Cup on Friday (2), against Cameroon. Already classified, it guarantees the first place in Group G with a draw.