Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the coronavirus, mandating the Gunners’ Premier League match at Brighton on Saturday to be postponed.
The Premier league officials will now meet for an “emergency club meeting” today to deliberate on whether matches should continue this weekend.
Arsenal have closed their training ground as a result of Arteta’s positive test, with Gunners players and club staff who had recent contact with the Spaniard now forced to self-isolation.
Gunners confirmed the sudden news minutes after the Premier League had said all fixtures would go ahead this weekend despite the spread of the global pandemic.
The English side stated in a statement that: “it was clear we will not be able to play some fixtures on our currently scheduled dates and Brighton quickly confirmed their clash at the Amex Stadium had been called off”
“First and foremost our thoughts are with Mikel Arteta and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said.”
“It’s absolutely essential the health and wellbeing of individuals takes priority and with that in mind Saturday’s match has been postponed“
“We apologise to all fans for any inconvenience but trust everyone will understand that we are all facing an unprecedented situation.”
Arsenal’s Premier League match with Manchester City on Wednesday was postponed and several Gunners players went into self-isolation after Olympiakos and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis contracted the virus.
Arsenal are now trying to trace any other persons’ who may have had contact with Arteta.
The managing director of Arsenal, Vinai Venkatesham added: “The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is.”
“Our thoughts are with Mikel who is disappointed but in good spirits. 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.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on that the government was deliberating on cancelling sporting events in the United Kingdom, but was not ready to do so yet.
But the news of Arteta’s positive test could force the Premier League to cancel English top-flight matches.
“In light of Arsenal’s announcement confirming that their first-team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures,” the Premier League said.
Arsenal are the latest Premier League club to be hit by the virus.
Leicester revealed on Thursday that three of their players have self-isolated after showing signs of the Covid-19.
Manchester City said one unnamed member of their squad, reportedly France defender Benjamin Mendy, is in self-isolation after a family member suffered a respiratory illness.
The relative is being treated in hospital and has undergone tests for the coronavirus.
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