Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus, the north London club have announced.
Premier League officials will now meet for an ’emergency club meeting’ on Friday morning to discuss whether matches should continue this weekend.
On Thursday evening, the Premier League and EFL confirmed that all matches would continue as planned this weekend after they liaised with the government.
Arteta, 37, said: “This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly
“I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”
In a statement released by Arsenal, the club revealed that a ‘significant amount of people’ – including first-team players and several members of staff – will now self-isolate
“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 now trying to trace any other people who may have had contact with Arteta.
The statement added it was ‘clear we will not be able to play some fixtures on their currently scheduled dates’.
The Gunners were due to travel to Brighton on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.
A statement from the Premier League said: “”In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight 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 will make no further comment until after that meeting. “
