Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has posted positive for coronavirus, according to the Gunners’ official statement. This is the first such high-profile case in the Premier League confirmed by a club.
“Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening,” the statement reads.
“Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution.”
Arteta also commented on the situation: “This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”
The news comes only minutes after the Premier League announced that this weekend’s games will go on as planned.
On Friday morning, the league will hold an emergency meeting and make the final decision. As per sources, it’s likely the decision will be lifted and the games will not be played.