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Arsenal prepare for Covid outbreak in squad as Mikel Arteta calls up NINE youngsters to first-team training

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ARSENAL have been preparing for a Covid outbreak in the squad by calling up a host of academy players to train with the first team.

And it was just as well boss Mikel Arteta made the call to bring in youth reinforcements after a trio of senior players were ruled out with the virus.

Arsenal wonderkid Charlie Patino has been likened to Phil FodenCredit: Getty

Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles all tested positive ahead of this afternoon’s trip to Norwich.

Gunners have added wonderkid Charlie Patino is among the nine youngsters called up ahead of the Canaries clash.

The 18-year-old has been likened to Phil Foden and is a Barcelona target after scoring on his senior debut against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Highly-rated Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand is also part of the youth contingent after being named as an unused sub in the Carabao Cup victory over Leeds.

Other names in the mix include Omari Hutchinson, Zach Awe, Marcelo Flores, Zak Swanson, Mika Biereth, Omar Rekik and keeper James Hillson.

Arsenal confirmed the news of the trio of positive tests after Arteta named his starting line-up to face Norwich.

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Cedric and Maitland-Niles have been little more than bit-part players this campaign and will not be huge misses.

But the loss of Tomiyasu is a massive blow.

The summer signing has been in stellar form this campaign, starting all 15 Premier League games since arriving at the club.

He will now miss Tuesday’s home game against Wolves, as will Cedric and Maitland-Niles.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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