UPDATE (Dec. 11, 6:55 pm ET): Pedro Santos has also confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19, adding that he is fine and that his family has tested negative.
UPDATE (Dec. 11, 3:10 pm ET): Darlington Nagbe confirmed on social media that he had tested positive for COVID-19 but that he and his family were feeling well.
Columbus Crew SC have been dealt a serious blow ahead of MLS Cup Saturday (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) with Darlington Nagbe and Pedro Santos listed as not medically cleared to play.
Both players have been integral to the Crew’s third-ever appearance in MLS Cup. Nagbe, a two-time MLS Cup winner, is key to controlling tempo and navigating through any pressure in the middle of the field and was easily the league's most accurate passer with a pass completion rate of close to 95 percent.
Although more known for his defensive work rate, Nagbe can score bangers as evidenced by him winning the 2020 AT&T Goal of the Year for this strike.
Santos’ impact has been felt on the wing as one of Columbus’ key attacking threats. The Portuguese veteran’s biggest attribute is his vision and playmaking ability and although primarily a right wing, has spent more time on the left through the end of the regular season and throughout the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
He had six goals and eight assists during the regular season and struck for a pair of playoff goals, including this critical first extratime goal in a 2-0 victory over Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The duo join Dutch central defender Vito Wormgoor as the only players on the Crew’s injury report. Danny Leyva is the only player listed on the Seattle Sounders' injury report with the 17-year-old out with a right quad strain.
