Arsenal have confirmed that head coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for Covid-19. The announcement on Thursday evening follows the Premier League’s statement that this weekend’s games would go ahead as planned – but the news about Arteta could force an immediate rethink.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have closed their training ground and club staff who had recent contact with Arteta will now self-isolate.
The Premier League will hold “an emergency club meeting” on Friday to discuss future fixtures.
“This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly,” said Spaniard Arteta, 37. “I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”
Arsenal expects a “significant number of people” will self-isolate, including first-team staff and coaches.
“The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is,” said club managing director Vinai Venkatesham.
“We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows.”
Arsenal are due to play at Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.