Arsenal manager Arteta to miss Man City game after testing Covid-19 positive

The 39-year-old, who also contracted the virus in March 2020, is now isolated. Assistants Albert Stuivenberg and Steve Round will take charge of Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on January 1 in Arteta's absence.

London: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will miss Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City after testing positive for COVID-19, the club said on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old, who also contracted the virus in March 2020, is now isolated. Assistants Albert Stuivenberg and Steve Round will take charge of Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on January 1 in Arteta's absence.

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"Mikel Arteta will miss our match against Manchester City on New Year's Day after testing positive for Covid-19. Mikel is isolating in line with Government guidelines and we wish him well," said Arsenal in a statement.

The Spaniard is the third Premier League manager to have contracted the virus after Crystal Palace' Patrick Vieira and Aston Villa's Steven Gerrard.

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Arsenal, who have won their past four league games, are fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders City.

IANS