Arsenal Handed Defensive Lift as Gabriel and Timber Near Fitness | OneFootball

Arsenal Receive Key Injury Boost as Gabriel and Timber Return to Training

Defensive Duo Back in Contention

Arsenal’s preparations for the new Premier League campaign have been handed a welcome lift, with Gabriel and Jurrien Timber both returning to full training ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.

Neither defender featured during the club’s recent pre-season tour of Asia, having undergone surgery earlier in the year. Gabriel, sidelined since April, has been recovering from a hamstring operation, while Timber’s return follows ankle surgery in May.

The club have taken a cautious approach, gradually managing their workloads. Both players began their pre-season programmes early in June with an extended stint in Marbella. That measured build-up now appears to be paying off, with the duo rejoining full sessions this week.

Their availability is seen as a major injury boost for Mikel Arteta, who has made clear his hope that both will be fit for the season opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford next Sunday. Early signs suggest that ambition remains on track.

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Squad Depth Strengthened Ahead of Villarreal and Bilbao Friendlies

There was further good news from London Colney, as goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also returned to training after a minor issue kept him out of last week’s defeat to Tottenham. His sharpness will be assessed ahead of the Villarreal game, with Arsenal also due to host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in their final friendly before the competitive action resumes.

New signing Noni Madueke has wasted little time integrating into the squad. The winger, brought in from Chelsea, has been involved in training since last week after cutting short his summer break to get an early start. With two fixtures in quick succession, a debut this week looks likely.

Among the younger names involved in training were Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, both just 15 years old. The teenagers could be handed minutes during the friendlies as Arteta continues to reward academy talent with first-team exposure.

Trossard and Calafiori Fitness Concerns

While the sight of Gabriel and Timber returning is a clear positive, there remain fitness concerns elsewhere in the squad. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were both absent from the latest training images published by the club.

Calafiori, a summer arrival, picked up a minor knee injury during the win over Newcastle in Singapore. Arteta, however, has downplayed the severity and expects the Italian to be ready for the Premier League curtain-raiser.

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Trossard’s situation appears more uncertain. The Belgian international seemed to sustain a muscular issue in the defeat to Spurs, with Arteta stating post-match that he will need to be monitored over the coming days.

Positive Momentum Building

As Arsenal’s preparations move into their final phase, the return of two senior defenders is a timely reminder of the depth and balance Arteta is working to maintain. Gabriel and Timber bring physical presence, tactical discipline and versatility to the back line, and their potential availability for Old Trafford could prove crucial.

Timber’s technical ability and calmness in possession are attributes that suit Arteta’s positional play, while Gabriel’s strength and aerial dominance offer a natural counterbalance. Their return, coupled with the integration of Madueke and the emergence of youth talent, offers an encouraging sign for a club intent on sustaining a title challenge.