SAN FRANCISCO, December 29, (THEWILL) – English Premier League club Arsenal confirmed on Monday that defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who did not feature in the match against fellow London side Chelsea because he was in contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus, has himself tested positive for the virus.
The Brazilian will now isolate for the next ten days, per government guidance. Already, this implies that he will miss trips to fixtures against Brighton and Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion. The Gunners hope he will be back in time to face Newcastle on Saturday, January 9.
A club statement making this public read: “Gabriel has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating according to UK Government and Premier League protocols. We will continue to monitor and support Gabriel, and we are hoping he will be available again after our next two matches.”
Arsenal also confirmed that defender David Luiz and forward Willian have recovered from the illnesses that kept them out of that Chelsea tie and have returned to training with their mates. The word on midfield strongman Thomas Partey was that he had ‘progressed well’ since picking up a thigh injury against Tottenham.
But, they were quick to note that he will be assessed daily ahead of a potential return especially given how he picked up the current injury in the very first game upon his return. The club did not commit to a date for the Ghanaian midfielder’s return.
The return of Willian and Luiz back is a boost for the Gunners ahead of a key fortnight of fixtures. However, the pair have to contend with those who stood in their stead. The likes of Pablo Mari and Emile Smith Rowe who took charge against Chelsea and will hope to retain their places for this week’s fixtures.
They will also hope there are no other positive coronavirus cases at the Emirates. There are not enough men to lose in the crunch time ahead of the Gunners and they need everyone ready to be deployed in their renewed push to arrest their downward slide.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
