League to convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19.
The spread of the disease has caused several games to be postponed across Europe, while Wednesday's the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal was called off hours before kick-off.
Some Arsenal players had gone into quarantine after coming into contact with the president of Olympiacos, their recent Europa League opponents, who announced he tested positive for the disease.
Then on Thursday, the Gunners announced that coach Mikel Arteta has also contracted it.
That revelation caused the Premier League to call a meeting with clubs in order to determine whether the weekend's action can be played as scheduled.
A source reported that a Manchester City player, understood to be Benjamin Mendy, is self-isolating after a relative of his was taken to hospital with fears of having caught Covid-19.
Also, three Leicester players have been isolated from the squad after displaying flu-like symptoms.
Despite the increase in the number of cases, it had been announced earlier on Thursday that the English top-flight will not be suspended and this weekend's games will be played as normal.
"Following the latest update from Government issued this afternoon, all Premier League matches will go ahead as scheduled this weekend," a statement on the Premier League website read.
"While the Prime Minister advised that all sporting events should take place as normal for now, he also indicated that Government is considering banning major public events, like sporting fixtures.
"We are therefore continuing to work closely with our clubs, Government, The FA, EFL and other relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate contingency plans are in place as and when circumstances change.
"The welfare of players, staff and supporters is of paramount importance and we will continue to follow Public Health England guidelines thoroughly."
GabrielMaghok
610
The entire premier league games should be postponed for a later date. Life is more important than any other thing.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
501
They should test all sports personel and if the numbers are crazy then postpone the events for a while, no point risking the health of people....
GDAndy
496
It’s sad how much Arteta has suffered 🤧 First heart surgery and now is infected of Coronavirus 😢 Sad how an epidemic is destroying the beautiful game 😭
JohnMc2018
421
You have to cancel the league now. Distribute money based on positions in the league and start over in August. No winners. No losers. The players aren’t immune just by playing behind closed doors. No fans. No football.
Cihaciprz
255
OMG😭😲😲 the government of UK please don't take dis as on serious health come first let d whole domestic game b postponed🙏
DarkKing2010
245
In my Opinion, Every Single Sports Activity should be Cancelled especially those with A Lot of Fans and Crowd, because after all, it will affect the people there. So it needs to be cancelled till this Virus Disappears Forever
Samyzy
237
This virus is just so heartbreaking. Destroying things we love. Taking lives and causing havoc. I’m lost between suspending all PL until further notice or letting this weekends fixtures take place before they suspend. The welfare of players and staff and supporters should be paramount.
Leinad001
218
The risk is too high. The game needs to be suspended because lives are at stake