Arsenal defender Gabriel tests POSITIVE for Covid and will miss matches with Brighton and West Brom after isolating since Boxing Day
- Arsenal defender Gabriel will miss at least two games after contracting Covid-19
- The 23-year-old will miss out on the trip to Brighton and the visit of West Brom
Arsenal defender Gabriel has been ruled out for at least two matches after testing positive for coronavirus.
The Gunners revealed on Boxing Day that the Brazil star was self-isolating after a close contact tested positive for the disease, missing the 3-1 home victory over Chelsea.
The 23-year-old will now sit out his side’s meetings with Brighton on Tuesday and West Brom on Saturday, having contracted Covid-19.
Gabriel has been ruled out for at least two matches after returning a positive coronavirus test
The defender had moved into self-isolation on Boxing Day after a close contact tested positive
An official club statement said: ‘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.’
Gabriel’s diagnosis was announced late on Monday, after Manchester City’s visit to Everton had been called off because of an outbreak among City’s squad and playing staff.
Several Football League matches were called off on the same evening as clubs across the country were hit by new positive tests.
The news will frustrate Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who tested positive himself in early March
Two of Gabriel’s countrymen at Arsenal, David Luiz and Willian, both missed the victory over Chelsea after they reported feeling unwell but tested negative for coronavirus.
The pair have returned to training outside, although they will miss the trip to Brighton before being expected to rejoin the rest of the squad on Thursday.
That would put them in contention for the trip to the Baggies in an important week for Arsenal as they look to move further away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Arsenal’s match at Brighton was postponed in early March when boss Mikel Arteta became the most high-profile figure in the Premier League at the time to test positive for the virus.
Absentees Willian (left) and David Luiz reported feeling unwell but tested negative for Covid-19
