Socceroos manager Graham Arnolds tests positive for Covid

The Socceroos’ preparations for two decisive World Cup qualifiers will be hampered after manager Graham Arnold tested positive to Covid for the second time in two months.

Australia Manager Graham Arnold speaks with Giannou Apostolos during the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers match between the Australian Socceroos and Nepal at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Thursday, October 10, 2019. (AAP Image/James Gourley) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is in isolation after testing positive to Covid-19 for the second time in less than two months.

Arnold was due to arrive in Socceroos camp in Sydney on Friday ahead of Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Japan next Thursday.

However, as per national team protocols, Arnold on Thursday had a PCR test, which returned a positive result.

Arnold is now following NSW health guidelines by self-isolating at home.

He will remain in contact with Australia’s squad and staff digitally, with Football Australia hopeful he will be in the Socceroos’ dugout next Thursday night, provided he tests negative to Covid-19 earlier that day.

Graham Arnold will be in isolation for a week after testing positive for Covid.

In Arnold’s absence, Socceroos assistant coaches Rene Meulensteen and Tony Vidmar will be in charge of Australia’s training sessions, the first of which is likely to take place on Monday.

A similar situation occurred in late January when Arnold tested positive to the virus in the build-up to the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier against Vietnam in Melbourne.

On that occasion Arnold was unable to return to camp in time for the match, which the Socceroos won 4-0 at AAMI Park.

Arnold returned a negative test the following day and was able to travel to Muscat for Australia’s 2-2 with Oman.

Arnold’s latest Covid-19 battle comes after star playmaker Aaron Mooy was left out of the Socceroos squad for this month’s matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia after also testing positive to the virus.