Arsenal have cancelled their pre-season tour to the United States after several positive COVID-19 cases at the club, the London club announced on Tuesday.
Arsenal were set to travel to the U.S. this week to participate in the Florida Cup alongside Premier League team Everton, Serie A champions Inter Milan and Colombian team Millonarios.
“Following a small number of positive COVID tests among the planned party to travel to America tomorrow, we have sadly been forced to withdraw from the Florida Cup,” Arsenal confirmed on their Twitter account. “This difficult decision is based on ensuring the health and wellbeing of our players and staff.”
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Florida Cup organisers issued the following statement: “We are disappointed that Arsenal have decided not to participate in the 2021 Florida Cup.
“We wish the members of the Arsenal traveling party who tested positive for COVID-19 a speedy recovery as we continue making final preparations for the event. We will be in communication with fans who purchased tickets to see Arsenal in Orlando regarding their options.”
The Gunners were scheduled to play Inter Milan on Sunday and then potentially face on July 28 the winner of Everton’s match against Millonarios.
Everton midfielder Fabian Delph will not travel with their team to Orlando “as a precautionary measure after coming into contact with someone who has since tested positive for COVID-19,” the club said in a statement.
Everton revealed Delph would resume his pre-season training as soon as his period of self-isolation is over.
Mikel Arteta’s side started their pre-season preparations in Scotland and played two matches, losing 2-1 to Hibernian and drawing 2-2 with Rangers.
Arsenal finished in eighth position in the Premier League last season. They start their 2021-22 campaign at promoted Brentford on Aug. 13.
