Boost for Arsenal as injured starter could return vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update on Gabriel Magalhaes, though a few other players are likely to be missing against Newcastle United.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel of Arsenal reacts as he appears to be injured as he speaks to Jurrien Timber during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta began his press conference on Friday with a positive update on defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

The centre-back had come off injured against Liverpool, but initial reports had suggested it was nothing too serious. Arteta has now confirmed the good news, even adding that the player could be back against Newcastle United on Saturday.

“Yes (it’s good news on Gabriel),” Arteta said. “We have a training session today. If he can complete that he will be available, he hasn’t had any training sessions yet, but if he’s able to do that he will be available in the squad.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Gabriel of Arsenal receives medical treatment after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

There wasn’t such good news on Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard, with Arteta confirming “Riccy and Martin are out definitely”.

Though that was no real surprise, with Odegaard only just returning to running on grass and Calafiori set to be out for a few weeks.

As for Ben White, Arteta admitted the right-back’s fitness status is still up in the air.

“With Ben we don’t know yet,” Arteta said. “He hasn’t trained yet, he could not train, he could not get involved. So let’s wait and see if he’s available.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice and Ben White of Arsenal look dejected after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

White has been absent since the Liverpool game last weekend, missing out on Arsenal’s match against Preston North End through injury.

There haven’t been any leaks on exactly the problem White is dealing with, but his absence from training has been concerning.

With any luck, he’s in a similar situation to Gabriel and a strong training session on Friday will have him back in contention for starts.