Gabriel Magalhaes has tested positive for Covid-19 and will now remain in isolation meaning he will miss at least the next two matches for Arsenal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on September 19, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on September 19, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The Arsenal defender missed Arsenal’s win over Chelsea on Boxing Day after being required to self-isolate following a close contact exposure with someone in his bubble who also tested positive.

Arsenal then issued an update that said, “[Gabriel] has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating according to UK Government and Premier League protocols. We will continue to monitor and support Gabriel, and we are hoping he will be available again after our next two matches.”

That means he will miss the games against Brighton on Tuesday and West Brom on Saturday. Arsenal then have a week without a game before playing Newcastle United at the Emirates on 9 January.

Willian and David Luiz were also feeling symptoms but have tested negative again and will join the main group in training on Thursday, ruling them out of the game against Brighton on Tuesday.

The news comes following the postponement of Manchester City’s game at Everton on Monday night after more City players tested positive.

Four tested positive on Christmas Day with another as-yet-undetermined returning positives ahead of the game at Goodison. The Telegraph report the figure is in double figures.

A statement from City said, “After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day.

“With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.

“Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.

“All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. The first team training ground at City Football Academy will close for an indeterminate period, with the squad and associated bubble undergoing testing before any decision is made for training to resume.

“Everyone at the Club wishes all of our colleagues a speedy recovery ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”