Arsenal are set to travel to Newcastle in the early kick-off on Saturday, but they could still be missing a number of key players.
Mikel Arteta’s side have suffered several key injuries in recent months, and Arsenal finished their clash with Liverpool with a makeshift defence.
Gabriel Magalhaes was withdrawn during the game with a suspected injury, and the defender was a huge miss as Mohamed Salah scored down his side of the pitch.
With Arsenal facing a tough test in Newcastle, Arteta has shared injury updates over Gabriel and three other players who could end up missing the fixture.
Arsenal injury news: Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White updates
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta gave updates on Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White, who all missed Arsenal’s midweek victory over Preston North End.
On Gabriel, it was positive news, but he is still not certain to make the squad for Newcastle.
“Yes it’s good news on Gabriel. We have a training session today. If he’s able to do that he’ll be in the squad,” Arteta stated.
Arteta then revealed that Calafiori and Odegaard will “definitely” miss the trip, despite suggestions that Odegaard could return this week.
White is a doubt though, and Arteta explained what he needs to do to be deemed as available.
“With Ben we don’t know yet. He could not train so let’s see what happens,” Arteta added.
Arsenal could be without key defenders vs Newcastle
Jurrien Timber started against Preston, in a huge boost given Arsenal’s other absences.
If both White and Gabriel are out, Arteta will face a huge problem over who he plays in his defensive line, with midfielder Thomas Partey and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly potentially the solutions at fullback.
Arteta will hope that at least one of Gabriel or White can start, with Timber likely to be selected at centre-back alongside William Saliba if both are not ready to return.
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