Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has become the first Premier League player to test positive for coronavirus.

The Blues’ training ground has been partially closed, while players and staff who have had close contact with the England international will now self-isolate, the club said in a statement.

The club statement added: “Callum displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution.

“However, his test came in positive this evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible.”

The news came hours after Arsenal confirmed head coach Mikel Arteta had also been diagnosed with coronavirus.He is under self-isolation.

Arsenal’s game against Brighton on Saturday has been postponed but there has been no decision on Aston Villa’s game against Chelsea on the same day.

Chelsea say Hudson-Odoi “displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning” and stayed away from the the training ground.

The club added that the player is “doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible”.

Chelsea’s full squad has gone into isolation and the club cancelled Friday’s scheduled news conference.

The Gunners have closed their training ground and club staff who had recent contact with Arteta will also self-isolate.

“This is really disappointing,” said Spaniard Arteta, 37. “I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”

An emergency meeting will now take place between the Premier League and top-flight clubs on Friday, with a strong possibility that the season will be suspended.