Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal pair Lokonga and Mari missing through Covid

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Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has confirmed that the Gunners now have two players missing through Covid-19 as the Premier League continues to struggle to keep a lid on cases.

The Gunners faced off against Leeds in what was the only game to go ahead in the Premier League yesterday. As things stand, the Sunday fixtures would appear to be on. However, while Arsenal managed a fully fit squad – barring one or two omissions – they are not completely off the hook.

Speaking following the game, Arteta confirmed widely claimed news that Lokonga was one of the players to have caught the virus, but also said that Pablo Mari will be out too.

“We have another player as well, Pablo has Covid, so unfortunately they will be out,” the Arsenal boss said.

Arteta also confirmed in his press conference that the club had shut the training ground for a day in midweek.

It remains to be seen whether games will go ahead over Christmas. There are wider talks planned this week with the Premier League, while the government could also change the rules at any point.

TBR’s View: Arsenal Lucky With Covid…So Far

Some clubs have been battered and it does seem to have left some big questions regarding the immediate future of this season. If this keeps happening, there are big questions about the integrity of the competition and also how clubs will fit fixtures in.

For now, Arsenal seem to have got away with things and managed the situation well. Their performance at Leeds last night was that of a team high on confidence and energy.

Hopefully, for Arsenal fans at least, they can avoid a significant outbreak and contain the virus. And for football fans around the country, hopefully the season can continue as is for as long as possible.