More than 100 Arsenal players and staff to quarantine themselves after manager Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

MORE than 100 members of Arsenal’s squad and staff are to enter self-isolation following Mikel Arteta’s coronavirus diagnosis.

After every player and employee who came into contact with the coach recently was told to enter quarantine, reports suggest the final tally could stretch into three figures.

Arteta was confirmed to have the illness on Thursday eveningCredit: Getty Images – Getty

That is according to the Guardian, which details concerns behind the scenes that players will be simply unable to return to action after their time away.

It is claimed that the Gunners would need as much as a month to get back up to speed with their stars entering self-isolation until 14 days after their last contact with Arteta.

Both the club’s London Colney training ground and Hale End academy base have been shut, even though the first-team coach had not recently visited the latter complex.

Yet a number of staff members are believed to have spent time around Arteta at Colney, raising the risk they could have carried the virus back over with them.

Arsenal’s offices at Highbury House will remain open as normal for the time being.

Premier League bosses have suspended matches until April despite stating on Thursday night their intent to press ahead with play, while also allowing fans to attend.

Those plans were thrown into major doubt when Arsenal confirmed their boss’ infection just minutes after the league’s statement.

But Arteta, who is expected to make a full recovery, had reportedly been tested having felt ill earlier in the week, with the results prompting an immediate announcement from the club.

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In addition, Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for coronavirus after displaying symptoms on Monday – factors which raise major questions over the Premier League’s original plans.

On Friday morning, both the top-flight and Football League were suspended until at least April 4.

Members of several teams, including West Ham, Leicester, Watford and Everton have all been placed into quarantine while those potentially carrying the virus await test results.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk