Mikel Arteta Confirm Gabriel Magalhães, David Luiz And Willian Missed Chelsea Game Due To Covid-19 Fears

Arsenal put smiles on the faces of their fans on Boxing day after their wonderful 3-1 win against their London rival, Chelsea on Saturday. 

Mikel Arteta side have been on a back of defeats and pressure was mounting on the manaher over his future at the club. 

Arsenal started the game with a positive energy with Gabriel Martinelli having the first shot at goal but couldn't sort himself to have it on target. 

But Alexander Lacazette put the Gunners in the lead from the penalty spot after Recce James had clip the back heels of Kieran Tierney. 

Arsenal doubled the advantage from a stunning free kick by Granit Xhaka just before half time. 

In the second half, the Gunners maintained the momentum and were rewarded with Bukayo Saka world class chip over Edouard Mendy for the third goal. 

Chelsea were able to pull a goal back from Tammy Abraham late in the game and could have gotten the second only for Jorginho to miss from the penalty spot. 

After the game, Mikel Arteta who has breathe a sign of relief has given update on his trio of Gabriel, David Luiz and Willian who were all missing from the game. 

According to Arteta, defender Gabriel Magalhães missed the game aftdr he reportedly had close contact with someone with Covid-19. 

Although, Gabriel Magalhães presence wasn't felt as Mikel Arteta called up Pablo Mari to fill the position being a natural left footer. 

Arsenal's boss went further to reveal that David Luiz and Willian weren't listed in the match day squad as they showed symptoms and the club had to take some precautions. 

On David Luiz and Willian’s absences, Arteta said: 

"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."

The manager revealed Gabriel hasn't tested positive for coronavirus. 

On Gabriel not testing positive, Arteta said:

" Yes."

Meanwhile, the Gunners will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to the Amex Stadium against Brighton Hove Albion.