No courtship with Barcelona. Arsenal’s star strikers absent due to Covid-19 positivity!

Arsenal didn’t have a good start to the league as they lost to the newcomer 2-0. Coach Arteta was missing his two biggest stars – Aubameyang and Lacazette. And now we know why. Both strikers tested positive for Covid-19, Arsenal’s club website confirmed.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are two of the best players in Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, they unexpectedly did not feature in the opening league game against Brentford and speculation immediately began as to why.

Reports began to emerge that they wanted to leave and were in talks about a possible transfer to Barcelona. Arsenal management finally broke the silence and revealed the real truth. The reason for the absence is completely different. Both players tested positive for Covid-19.

According to the club’s statement, Aubameyang will be ready to start the match against Chelsea, while the French midfielder is not yet fully fit and will have to wait for his return.

“Aubameyang has already had a negative test and will follow all the steps to be able to play again. He has returned to training and his priority is Sunday’s game against Chelsea. Alex’s recovery is not yet complete and he will not be ready for the game yet,”

Winger Willian and goalkeeper Alex Runarsson also have positive findings. The statement said Willian followed all protocols and his health will be monitored.

He will decide just before the Chelsea game whether he will be fit to play or not. Runarsson is in a similar condition to Lacazette and, like the Frenchman, will not be available to Arteta just yet.

Partey, Gabriel and Nketiah also remain on Arsenal’s sick list. Partey and Gabriel should return to training at the end of August, while Nketiah should return in early September.

Source: Arsenal FC