The Football Faithful
·1 novembre 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·1 novembre 2024
Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on his Arsenal squad ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Arsenal are dealing with a number of absences with Arteta’s options stretched. Defence is a major concern ahead of the trip to Tyneside with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney confirmed absentees.
Arteta revealed that Riccardo Calafiori will also miss the clash with Eddie Howe’s side, though there was a more positive update on Gabriel Magalhaes, who limped off during the draw with Liverpool last weekend. The Brazilian will aim to prove his fitness during Friday’s training session. Ben White will also be assessed, though Martin Odegaard remains unavailable.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “We have a training session today, if he (Gabriel) can complete that, he will be available.
“Riccy (Calafiori) and Martin (Odegaard) are out definitely. With Ben (White), we don’t know yet. Let’s wait and see.”
William Saliba is free to return from his one-match suspension and could be partnered by White at centre-back, if Gabriel is ruled out of the contest. Arteta called White’s versatility a major asset to his team and was delighted with his performance in central defence during the draw with Liverpool.
“That is Ben’s quality, he can play two different positions. He can adapt. We are demanding. For him to do that job, having not played there for over a year, was very impressive.”