London, 2 January 2025 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted preparations for his side’s win over Brentford were derailed by an undisclosed virus that swept through his squad.

The Gunners came from a goal down to complete a 3-1 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium to move back up to second and six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool to keep their title dream alive.

But Arteta revealed several of his players were struck down by a virus on the eve of the game.

Kai Havertz was sent home with the virus, while Declan Rice was a surprise starter on the bench.

Captain Martin Odegaard was rumoured to be struggling in the hours ahead of kick-off. However, he was able to start the fixture before he was replaced in the second period.

“It affected players on the pitch and off the pitch,” said Arteta when quizzed about the illness.

“It is nothing serious. But it wasn’t the ideal situation. In relation to the symptoms, with Kai it was obvious. He wasn’t feeling well at all. He had very clear symptoms so stay away from it, put him in a car, and go back to London.

“These things happen. In this period, there are always things thrown at you, infections, viruses, so I try to delay the line-up as late as possible because you can get up in the morning and unfortunately have a surprise like this.”

Arteta is hopeful the virus will have abated for his side’s trip to Brighton on Saturday.