Arsenal have confirmed that striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and winger Willian can return to the squad in time for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea after being ruled out of the 2-0 loss to Brentford by COVID-19.
Aubameyang and strike partner Lacazette were both left out of the Brentford game due to a mysterious illness, while Willian’s unspecified absence was taken as a sign that his time at the Emirates Stadium could be over.
Lacazette and Aubameyang tested positive for COVID-19 / Pool / Getty Images
But in a new medical update published on their official website, Arsenal confirmed that the trio had actually tested positive for COVID-19, with Aubameyang and Willian both able to return on Sunday.
Of the pair, Aubameyang has the best chance of returning to Chelsea. The Gabonese international has tested negative and is scheduled to return to training in the coming days, but whether he is ready to play is a completely different matter.
Lacazette continues to test positive and remains isolated, so Arsenal have officially ruled him out for the game along with reserve goalkeeper Alex Runarsson, who has also tested positive.
The minivirus outbreak comes at a time when Arsenal also have a handful of injury problems to deal with.
In the attack, young Eddie Nketiah continues to stand outside the ankle he received during this summer’s friendly against Chelsea. His return has a preliminary pen in September.
Also injured in that match was midfielder Thomas Partey, who still needs treatment for his own knee injury. The Ghana international is likely to miss the rest of the month, but should be back in training before the international break.
Partey remains sideline / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
Finally, midfielder Gabriel Magalhaes is handling a knee injury he suffered with Brazil at the Olympics.
The 23-year-old is making good progress with his recovery and should be back in training in the coming weeks, which may allow him to return to the meeting with Manchester City on August 28 if all goes well.
