England assistant Arjan Veurink admits he doesn’t know whether Sarina Wiegman will return to take charge of the Lionesses for their Women’s Euro 2022 quarter-final.
The England manager missed the final group game against Northern Ireland on Friday after testing positive for Covid. The Football Association confirmed the news just hours before kick-off in Southampton, with Wiegman set to "undertake a period of recovery at the squad's base camp".
"Wiegman will remain in remote contact with the players and technical staff and will be monitored regularly with a view to returning to all elements of her role as soon as possible," a statement from the FA added.
ALSO READ: Fran Kirby back to her best with England as Alessia Russo knocks on door for Euros quarter-final
Without Wiegman in the dugout, England closed out the group stages in style with a 5-0 win at St Mary’s. Goals from Fran Kirby and Beth Mead put the hosts in control at the break, before Alessia Russo’s brace and an own goal put a gloss on the result as they move into the knockout stages with three wins from three games.
A tougher test will await in the quarter-finals, with the Lionesses set to face one of Spain or Denmark. It’s not yet known though whether Wiegman will be in a position to return to the dugout.
"We have to see — we have to manage it day by day, hopefully she is back in business as soon as possible,” Veurink told the BBC.
Show your support for England as the Lionesses go for glory at Women's Euro 2022!
With the quarter-final coming just five days after their final group game, the race is on for Wiegman. The former Netherlands coach will be required to supply two negative Covid tests before she is allowed out of isolation.
Veurink though is not concerned about the prospect of having to lead the Lionesses again on Wednesday. The England assistant revealed Wiegman and her staff have had plans in place for some time should the situation arise.
"We spoke about lots of potential scenarios and this [Covid] was one of them — my compliments go to the staff and players group because we reacted really well,” Veurink added.
"We plan for scenarios and the world we are living in it could happen — we spoke about it and we're well prepared. She's managing the staff and players brilliantly."
