Mikel Arteta has shared a fitness update on three key players ahead of Arsenal’s EFL Cup clash against Preston North End.
After the Gunners’ dramatic draw with Liverpool, fans eagerly awaited an update on the fitness of several key players.
The main concern came from Gabriel Magalhaes, who was forced to withdraw early into the second half due to a knee injury.
As well as the Brazilian, Riccardo Calafiori missed out due to injury, with Jurrien Timber also having to leave the pitch early due to discomfort.
- READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk makes controversial Arsenal injury claim that fans will hate after Liverpool draw
Arsenal injury news: Gabriel Magalhaes update
With William Saliba missing against Liverpool as a result of suspension, pressure was put on Arteta to put together a makeshift defence to cover for a wave of absences.
Losing Gabriel and Timber during the game only added to the anxiety on the sidelines, not eased by Calafiori’s blow.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Preston North End in a press conference, Arteta shared an update on the three defenders.
On Gabriel, the manager said, “We are still assessing him. It doesn’t look bad at all. It was much better the next day. He has done some tests,” which is a relief.
- READ MORE: Arsenal handed Gabriel Magalhaes update as injury expert spots ‘good sign’ after Liverpool blow
Moving onto Timber’s fitness, Arteta assured fans that the Dutchman was simply ‘tired’ against Liverpool.
“Jurrien is fine. He has been out for a while. He was tired, he could not continue the game.”
Sadly, there was less encouraging news on Calafiori’s status, as the Spaniard confirmed the news that the summer signing will be “out for a few weeks.”
There are positives and negatives to come from Arteta’s update, with Calafiori’s absence for a crucial few weeks a significant blow.
Mikel Arteta has to cope without Riccardo Calafiori
It’s an agonising time for Arteta to be without Calafiori, who became a regular in the first team prior to his injury.
The Italy international added a new dimension to the left side of Arsenal’s defence, as well as proving that he possesses the versatility to cover central areas too.
Fortunately, with Timber and Gabriel set to return promptly, losing Calafiori will be less of a nuisance however, not having a player of his calibre available in the squad is far from ideal.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
