Sport and coronavirus live – Olivier Giroud tested positive

Arsenal had to play his first game of the 2021/2022 season against Brentford last weekend while four of his players were withdrawn, positive for Covid, revealed Friday the coach Mikel Arteta, surprised by this decision. Arteta clarified that the majority of his workforce had received two doses of the anti-Covid vaccine but that the decision to be vaccinated or not was up to the players.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexander Lacazette, Willian and substitute goalkeeper Alex Runarsson could not be aligned in the derby lost by the Gunners (2-0) at the promoted. « I was surprised, but the authorities decided that the best thing to do was to play the game, » said the coach at a press conference before Chelsea’s reception for Matchday 2 on Sunday.

Against the European champions Blues, who started strong by beating Crystal Palace 3-0, Arteta should be able to count on Aubameyang and Willian, while Lacazette and Runarsson remain unavailable.