Gabriel, David Luiz and Willian were all missing from our squad for our Premier League win against Chelsea - so what’s the latest on them?
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel missed out due to being in close contact with someone with Covid-19, while his two compatriots were feeling unwell, although the cases are not linked.
This is what the manager said in his post-match press conference:
on Gabriel missing out…
We have to follow the guidelines and protocols with Covid, the doctor is on top of that. For how long? We are not 100 per cent [sure] but he was in contact with somebody who has tested positive so he has to stay away for a few games.
on whether it was linked to Gabriel Jesus, who recently tested positive…
No, it wasn’t with another player in the Premier League. It was someone in his bubble.
on whether it is linked to David Luiz and Willian’s absences…
No, that is for some different reasons. They were having some symptoms, and we have to be really cautious when that happens. The protocols say that they have to stay away, they have to test negative but still we have to be really careful we don’t pass that into the players until we are 100 per cent sure they don’t have it.
on Gabriel not testing positive, just being in close contact…
Yes.
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