Christian Pulisic of Chelsea FC pressinphoto

Chelsea, USMNT star Christian Pulisic tests positive for COVID-19

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/20/21

Chelsea winger and United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic has tested positive for COVID-19, Blues manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Friday, according to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl.

The 22-year-old has been absent from training this week as Chelsea prepares for a Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Pulisic will miss that match, Wahl adds.

Tuchel says Christian Pulisic has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss the Arsenal game. Get well, Christian. First USMNT World Cup qualifier is in 13 days.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 20, 2021

Pulisic scored in Chelsea's opening day 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. He'll be hoping to return to the starting XI against Liverpool next Saturday.

According to Sports Illustrated, the loss of Pulisic could be eased with Hakim Ziyech and N'Golo Kante set to be available for this weekend's clash with the Gunners.

"Hakim and N'Golo are in training and did everything until yesterday to be in training today, and had no problems," Tuchel added. "We need another more physical and intense training session with them and the team to decide after the training session at 11. It seems very positive that both can be in the squad for Sunday."

Arsenal could also be without several players this weekend, including Alexandre Lacazette and Alex Runarsson, who have already been ruled out. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Willian might also be unavailable.

Chelsea are currently second in the Premier League behind Manchester United after one week of play.

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