Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has tested positive for Covid ahead of Sunday’s clash with Watford.
Smith Rowe was not named in the Arsenal squad for their trip to Vicarage Road and the club have confirmed the reason behind his absence.
The 21-year-old missed last week’s win over Wolves with a stomach bug.
And Arsenal have now confirmed Smith Rowe has tested positive for Covid. He is thought to be symptomless.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “Emile was extremely down yesterday.
“Because obviously he had some niggles, he was sick last week and now he has got Covid.
“But it is what happens and we have to react to that and get him back as soon as possible because we need him in the team.”
With Smith Rowe missing, Gabriel Martinelli kept his place on the left flank against Watford as Mikel Arteta named an unchanged team.
Arsenal also travelled to Vicarage Road without Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has not recovered from a calf injury.
