Arsenal players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Chelsea clash

Arsenal have confirmed that four senior team players, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazete, Willian and Alex Runarsson have all tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Premier League encounter with Chelsea on Sunday.

The club said that for this reason, Aubameyang and Lacazette missed out on their first game of the season, against Brentford last Friday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 2-0 by the newly-promoted side in their first match of the Premier League season and had to do so without the two forwards.

The club have now confirmed that their top stars were prevented by COVID-19 and both Willians and Runarsson have also tested positive.

The Gunners are now hoping that Aubameyang and Willian return for the clash against Chelsea while Lacazette and Runarsson have been ruled out.

In an update posted on Arsenal’s official website, the club confirmed Aubameyang’s situation, writing: “Auba tested positive for Covid-19 and was unavailable for last Friday’s match at Brentford.

“Auba is now negative on Covid-19 testing, is well and following all protocols for return to play. He will return to training and be assessed prior to Sunday’s match.”

On Willian, the Gunners added: “His health and fitness will be monitored and assessed ahead of Sunday’s match.”

“As part of Premier League protocol, all members of our first team squad and support staff continue to be regularly tested for COVID-19,” the club said.