Arsenal boss Arteta demands clarity on COVID postponements

London, Dec 17 (BNA): Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called on the Premier League to provide more clarity on matches that have been postponed due to COVID-19, telling reporters on Friday that transparency is essential to maintain integrity.

The English Premier League has postponed five matches that were scheduled to take place at the weekend due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 disease at various clubs. Reuters reports that Arsenal’s trip to Leeds United on Saturday is set to go ahead.

“Well, health-wise, I hope we do everything we can to protect everyone. (But) we need more clarity about why you don’t play these games and what you need to not play a game so you can maintain justice,” Arteta said.

“We always want to play when we have the conditions to do it 100%. But we were here on the other side of the table where we had all the controversy getting ready for a football match and we ended up running it.”

The Spaniard added that striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was sacked as captain this week after a disciplinary offense, was not available for selection against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The Gabon international also missed his midweek league win over West Ham United, a second consecutive league win that helped Arsenal move into the top four and put them 13 points ahead of 16th-placed Leeds United.

Arteta also stressed the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 and said there were no positive cases in the Arsenal camp but added that the situation was changing every day.

“Vaccination is really important to really prevent disease…Yes, we’re trying to do the right thing and it’s really personal. The doctor has done a really good job of educating and encouraging everyone,” he said.

“We’re fine, we’re waiting for more tests we’ll have this afternoon. That’s the only thing we can do, wait and see.”

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