Arsenal dealt blow as 3 more players test positive for COVID-19

The Gunners have confirmed more positive cases in their squad ahead of the trip to Norwich City.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Cedric Soares, and Takehiro Tomiyasu have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of Arsenal’s latest game.

Mikel Arteta’s side released a brief statement on social media to confirm the news, whilst announcing their line-up for Sunday’s Boxing Day clash against Norwich City in the Premier League.

The club had recently announced that three other stars – defenders Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga – had returned positive results earlier in December.

🚨 Cedric, Tomiyasu and Maitland-Niles all miss out on today's squad after testing positive with Covid.

Get well soon lads ❤️

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2021

Mari and Lokonga return to the squad

Although Mari and Lokonga have recovered from the virus and are on the bench for the Norwich match.

As Chambers is also unavailable, Arsenal have now lost all four of their right-back options. Ben White, who normally plays in central defense, will instead start in the position.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exile continues, meanwhile, after Arsenal boss Arteta stripped him of the captaincy earlier in the month.

The Gabon international has now missed all the club’s last five games in all competitions.