Mikel Arteta will miss our match against Manchester City on New Year’s Day after testing positive for COVID-19.

Mikel is isolating in line with Government guidelines and we wish him well.

It’s the second time this has happened to Arteta, back in March 2020 his diagnosis sparked the shutdown of football as the pandemic began in earnest.

It will obviously have an impact on match day, but also when it comes to preparation for the game as he is isolating.

There must also be a concern around the squad and staff in general as Arteta would have been in close contact with many of them over the last number of days.

As ever in these times we live in, the situation could change and develop rapidly in the coming hours.

For now, let’s hope he – and everyone else – remains healthy and not too badly affected.