Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder’s setback comes less than a week after scoring in the Blues’ 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League opening weekend.
Pulisic also helped Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup last week, scoring in penalties as Champions League winners Thomas Tuchel edged Villarreal for more silverware.
Pulisic posted in an Instagram story on Friday: “Hello everyone, unfortunately I tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.
“Fortunately, I am fully vaccinated and have no symptoms so far. I can’t wait to get back to action! Thank you for your support.”
Chelsea boss Tuchel has confirmed that USA international Pulisic will miss the short trip to Emirates Stadium, saying: “With Christian, unfortunately it’s very easy to explain.
“He tested positive and must follow protocols so that he is not available for the game.”
The news follows Arsenal confirming that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were out against Brentford last Friday after testing positive for the coronavirus.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners’ forwards are fit and available to face Chelsea this weekend, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saying it was a “very uncertain” situation.
“They have had difficult days. Laca still hasn’t trained so he hasn’t been very good,” Arteta said at a press conference.
