Arsenal cancel training despite players completing 14-day quarantine

Arsenal have told their players, who were to resume training today, to stay at home even though they completed their 14-day isolation period after manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus, reports Reuters.

Arteta’s positive test forced the team to go into self-isolation, while the Premier League has suspended the football season until April 30.

“As a result of the current situation, we are clear it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to ask players to come back at this time,” Arsenal said in a statement yesterday.

“Therefore our men’s first team, women and academy players are all remaining at home.”

Arsenal also said they would continue paying match day and non-match day casual workers until April 30 despite the suspension.

Manchester United announced last week that they would keep paying casual staff even if the season’s remaining games were cancelled or played in empty stadiums.

“These are challenging times for everyone, but in particular our casual workers,” said Arsenal MD Vinai Venkatesham. “This gesture is intended to ease their financial uncertainty.”

Football Association (FA) rules say the season should end by June 1, but the FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game bodies, have with players’ and managers’ associations, agreed to extend the formal end-date for the 2019/2020 season.