Peru forwards Ruidiaz, Valera test positive for COVID-19

LIMA - Forwards Raul Ruidiaz and Alex Valera will miss Peru's 2022 World Cup qualifier against Brazil after confirmation of positive COVID-19 tests on Monday.

Both players had also tested positive on Sunday, along with defender Christian Ramos and striker Aldair Rodriguez. The latter two were cleared to play in Tuesday's fixture at Estadio Nacional after testing negative on Monday, the Peruvian Football Federation said.

Peru drew 2-2 with Paraguay in their opening South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) qualifier in Asuncion last Thursday. Brazil, meanwhile, routed Bolivia 5-0 in Sao Paulo.

The five-time world champions travelled to Peru with a full squad on Monday, having reported no positive coronavirus cases during mandatory daily tests.

Brazil and Peru last met in the 2019 Copa America final, when the Selecao prevailed 3-1 at Rio's Maracana stadium.