Mikel Arteta isolating after contracting coronavirus for a second time; Arsenal boss also fell ill at the beginning of the pandemic; he will isolate for at least one week in line with public health protocols
Mikel Arteta will miss Arsenal’s match against Manchester City on New Year’s Day after testing positive for Covid-19.
The Spaniard, who also contracted the virus in March 2020 prompting the shutdown of football at the start of the pandemic, is now isolating.
Despite the positive test, the Arsenal manager is still planning to speak to the media from his home on Thursday to preview the match against City.
A statement from the club read: “Mikel Arteta will miss our match against Manchester City on New Year’s Day after testing positive for Covid-19.
Former Premier League players Danny Mills and Phil Babb assess the coronavirus crisis in the top-flight after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for Covid-19
“Mikel is isolating in line with Government guidelines and we wish him well.”
Arteta will face an isolation period of one week. At present, people who receive negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven of their self-isolation period – with tests taken 24 hours apart – no longer have to stay indoors for a full 10 days.