Arsenal's Mikel Arteta 'Feeling Much Better' After Coronavirus Diagnosis

Arsenal have said manager Mikel Arteta is "feeling much better" following a period of self-isolation after he tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Gunners confirmed on March 12 that Arteta, 37, had been diagnosed with COVID-19, and he remains the only Premier League manager to have returned a positive test thus far.

Arsenal published a statement updating their fans on the manager's condition on Thursday, adding that Arteta is already back performing "detailed planning" with his players and the coaches.

"A number of staff, including Mikel and the men's first-team squad, are currently isolating at home. We're pleased to say that Mikel is feeling much better. He's in good spirits, doing detailed planning with the coaches and speaking to the players regularly. The women's and academy teams are also currently staying at home. All our players are looking forward to getting back out on the training pitches as soon as the situation allows."

That update came on the same day that it was announced the Premier League will be suspended until at least April 30, while the June 1 deadline for this season's conclusion has been "extended indefinitely."

The statement continued to say Arsenal are "fully supportive" of the decision to extend the season suspension, which they endorsed during Thursday's conference call between Premier League shareholders.

It was also confirmed the club's training centres will also reopen following a temporary closure, though players aren't due to return until their isolation periods have finished, per James Olley of the Evening Standard:

The Gunners chief was diagnosed around the same time it emerged Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi also tested positive, though the winger said he was "feeling good" at the time:

Arteta's wife, Lorena Bernal, posted a video via Instagram updating followers on his condition following the positive test, saying he had "some temperatures, some headaches, but nothing major."

The first-team squad and some members of the club's staff remain in self-isolation with dietary plans and specified training programmes to follow.

That extends to the women's and academy teams, who are also in quarantine.

James Benge of Football.London pointed to one section of Arsenal's statement specifying their work in supporting elderly people in the local community during this time:

Arsenal were ninth in the Premier League at the time when English football was initially suspended, with Arteta hoping to lead his old club back to European qualification in his first season as a manager.

The north Londoners have lost only twice in 16 games since the former playmaker was appointed manager in December, with Arteta quickly becoming a fan favourite among supporters.