Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus two weeks after coming in contact with Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis who was earlier discovered to have contacted the virus.

The club released a statement on Thursday evening confirming the news as the pandemic continues to affect the sporting calendar around the world.

“The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is. Our thoughts are with Mikel who is disappointed but in good spirits. We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows.” The statement read.

READ ALSO:

How Europes’s Top Leagues Have Been Affected By Deadly Virus

Victor Osimhen Affected By Coronavirus

Sports Events Affected By Coronavirus Epidemic

“Mikel and the full first-team squad, players and staff, will be fully supported, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows. Obviously Mikel’s full recovery is the priority now for us all.” Managing director Vinai Venkatesham added.

Arsenal and Olympiacos met in London on February 27 in the knockout round of the Europa League round of 32, and after the game several players from the English team had contact with Marinakis.

Arteta has confirmed he was tested after feeling symptoms of sickness but was optimistic of returning back to work considering the English FA are yet to suspend the EPL as in other European countries hit by the virus.

“This is really disappointing, but I got tested after feeling bad. I will be at work as soon as I am allowed,” said Mikel Arteta.

However, Goal’s Arsenal correspondent Charles Watt says Arteta’s exposure to the virus was not traceable to The Gunner’s Europa League encounter against Olympiacos.

However, Goal’s Arsenal correspondent Charles Watt says Arteta’s exposure to the virus was not traceable to The Gunner’s Europa League encounter against Olympiacos.

As I understand it, Arteta had no contact whatsoever with Evangelos Marinakis during Arsenal’s game with Olympiacos two weeks ago. Tonight’s positive test is not being linked to that night at the Emirates.

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) March 12, 2020

“As I understand it, Arteta had no contact whatsoever with Evangelos Marinakis during Arsenal’s game with Olympiacos two weeks ago. Tonight’s positive test is not being linked to that night at the Emirates.” He tweeted.