Another week begins and another week of self-isolation on the horizon. With the entire footballing community waiting to hear how everything is going to play out and every footballing governmental body making plans, changing plans, and then altering them once more – the only thing clear, is just how unclear this whole thing is.
The virus continues to spread itself around the world and countries are taking more and more drastic measures in an attempt to keep its citizens safe. Better late than never? Yes, I suppose, but it seems as though some of these could have been put in place long before we reached this point and preliminary science backs up the positive effects that could have had.
Countries aren’t the only taking precautions. It’s a new week and with it comes a brief update from Arsenal on their plans.
On the First-Team
“Our men’s first-team players were scheduled to return to training on Tuesday (March 24) after completing 14-days isolation following Mikel Arteta’s positive diagnosis for the virus.
As a result of the current situation, we are clear it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to ask players to come back at this time. Therefore our men’s first team, women and academy players are all remaining at home.”
Arsenal would follow this announcement up with a post on social media stating, “Stay home, Save Lives”
Not much is surprising about this announcement, especially given the recent push back to the intended date the Premier League will attempt to resume. Things have hardly settled down since Arteta was diagnosed with COVID-19 early on in this pandemic and if not careful, a resurgence could easily occur, extending their wait to return to training.
On Casual Workers
One aspect of this suspension that many people may have overlooked is the matchday and non-matchday casual staff that may depend on this source of income, making this suspension an extremely stressful time.
Arsenal said:
“We will continue to pay matchday and non-matchday casual workers on our payroll up to April 30, 2020.”
“This gesture reflects our gratitude to them and our desire to ease their financial concerns during this challenging period.”
“This will be reviewed once the relevant authorities have made a further decision on when football can resume. All football is currently suspended until at least April 30.”
It’s a great gesture, one you would like to expect from your club, but one that makes you proud to support them, nonetheless.
From a football aspect – there are reports that Arteta is using technology and video conferencing to hold meetings and talks with players and staff each day and Arsenal seem to have provided individualized workouts for players to be doing each day during their isolation in an attempt to keep them fit should the season resume.
In the meantime – stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.
Gunner Thoughts 