Coronavirus update: Arsenal boss Arteta makes first contact with his players

Mikel Arteta (left) is "better" and has been communicating with his Arsenal squad (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Mikel Arteta is "better" and has been communicating with his Arsenal squad, according to injured midfielder Lucas Torreira.

Arteta was forced into self-isolation after he contracted the coronavirus, prompting Arsenal to quickly shut down their London Colney training ground.

The COVID-19 outbreak in football also lead to the Premier League suspending all matches until at least April 4, creating much uncertainty surrounding the remainder of the season.

Torreira is among the Arsenal players self-isolating.

The Uruguay international is currently out of action as it is after he suffered an ankle injury, which is set to keep him sidelined until late May.

Torreira has revealed that Arteta recently communicated with his Arsenal squad from isolation and that his condition is improving.

The midfielder added he was surprised that coronavirus hit the Arsenal dressing room.

"The truth is that we didn't expect this virus to reach the club, the locker room. Mikel Arteta is better. He was able to communicate with us and he is improving," told Sport 890.

"In recent days, many cases of coronavirus were discovered in London and people were nervous. In some supermarkets, you can no longer find toilet paper or gel alcohol."

Torreira has been unable to fly home to Uruguay while recovering from injury but has bought equipment to aid his rehabilitation.

"I'm quarantined at home. Working on my own in recovery," Torreira added.

"I had to buy some devices and the club will collaborate with everyone so that we can continue working individually in our homes.

"I'm happy because the exams were good. I'm still wearing the orthopaedic boot. In eight or 10 weeks I will be able to work normally."