Arsenal handed triple injury boost as Mikel Arteta could welcome stars back for Newcastle and Chelsea clashes

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Arsenal have been handed a potential injury boost as three stars could make a return for the upcoming clashes with Newcastle and Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta has seen his squad stretched thin through recent absences, forcing him to make some big calls over the past few weeks.

The most challenging came in the game against Liverpool, where a make-shift back four was called upon to deliver some much-needed points.

With Thomas Partey at right-back, Ben White moved to centre-back to cover for the suspended William Saliba.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes shifted to the left centre-back role as Jurrien Timber recovered in time to feature at left-back.

The latter duo didn’t make the whole game though, as they seemingly became the latest to join the growing list of Arsenal injury concerns.

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Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber injury update

Fortunately for Arsenal, the injuries to both Timber and Gabriel don’t appear to be major concerns for the weeks ahead.

The Brazilian centre-back was the first worry after going to the ground twice with an issue in his left knee that stopped him from sprinting.

Images later saw an ice pack wrapped around his leg, only furthering those fears that the Gunners already had.

Concerns with Timber surrounded potential muscular issues, given how quickly he returned from a recent injury layoff.

The pair aren’t expected to be out for long though as the Daily Mail reports that the duo are not long-term injury concerns.

There is still a potential for them to be missing games in the near future, with Preston North End awaiting in the EFL Cup in midweek before travelling to Newcastle.

Martin Odegaard injury latest

The same report brought with it a positive boost surrounding Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard, who has been out of action since September with an ankle issue.

The playmaker was expected to make a return around November, with an upcoming international break offering extra time to recover.

A return could be on the cards sooner as the Daily Mail claims that his recovery is being accelerated, with the 25-year-old set to train on grass once again.

There are still doubts over when he may be back for selection, though trips to Newcastle and Chelsea may be prime opportunities.

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Arsenal injury returns needed for key weeks

If there’s one period where Arsenal need their key players, it’s the upcoming weeks before the international break.

In the Premier League, there are tough trips to Newcastle and Chelsea, which will be far from a stroll in the park.

Both teams are more than capable of taking points off of the Gunners, especially in front of a buoyed home crowd.

Cup competitions will be crucial too, with an EFL Cup clash against Preston North End in midweek preceding a clash with Inter Milan in the Champions League.