Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ' feeling better' as Portsmouth players remain at home

And he thanked those who passed on their best wishes as he continues to self-isolate along with other members of the Gunners’ staff who were in close contact with him.

His positive testing for Covid-19 kick-started the unprecedented step of suspending all elite-level football in England until April 4, at least.

It also came less than two weeks after Arteta was at Fratton Park to see his side defeat Pompey in the fifth-round of the FA Cup on March 2.

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Blues boss Kenny Jackett told The News on Thursday that no-one within his squad had been showing symptoms of the virus.

However, all players and staff were sent home from the training ground yesterday in light of developments and will be tested at the start of next week.

Pompey’s game against Accrington today has been suspended, as have their forthcoming games against Doncaster (March 17), Ipswich (March 21) and Oxford United (March 28).

Arteta said via Twitter: ‘Thanks for your words and support. Feeling better already.

‘We’re all facing a huge & unprecedented challenge.

‘Everyone’s health is all that matters right now.

‘Protect each other by following the guidelines & we’ll come through this together. Well done PL for making the right decisions.’