Arsenal’s Smith Rowe ‘tests positive for COVID-19’

Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

The 21-year-old was not pictured in training with the Gunners earlier this week and missed the 2-1 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday night.

Arsenal said that Smith Rowe’s absence in midweek was down to “illness” without specifying COVID-19, but journalist Connor Humm now reports that the Gunners’ top scorer has contracted coronavirus.

It is not known if the England international is showing symptoms or what date he tested positive, with Arsenal yet to officially confirm the news.

However, following the removal of self-isolation laws in England, and with Arsenal not back in action until next Sunday’s showdown with Watford, Smith Rowe should have a good chance of returning to the squad against the Hornets.

The Hale End graduate has nine Premier League goals to his name this season, while Takehiro Tomiyasu was also absent from the win over Wolves, with Mikel Arteta confirming that the Japanese right-back had injured his other calf after recovering from his initial problem.