Arteta confirms good news on Gabriel’s injury as he gives squad update | OneFootball

Ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth round clash against Preston North End at Deepdale, Mikel Arteta provided a thorough update on the state of his squad, outlining both positive news and continued concerns for several key players.

Gabriel Magalhaes remains a question mark after picking up a knee issue during the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, however it appears he has escaped a serious injury as we reported this morning.

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)

Arteta described the centre-back as “much better” the following day and downplayed fears of a serious injury.

“He doesn’t look bad at all,” Arteta said, although he admitted that further assessments are ongoing.

The timeline for Gabriel’s return remains unclear, but Arteta’s comments suggest the injury may not be significant, although the manager refused to speculate on when the Brazilian might be fit for selection.

Jurrien Timber also picked up a problem in the Liverpool match, experiencing fatigue that ultimately forced him off.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal leaves the pitch after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arteta confirmed that Timber was dealing with cramp and that there is no new injury.

“Jurrien is fine. He was very tired, he had been out for a while and could not continue the game, but there is no new injury there,” Arteta said, hinting that Timber’s involvement against Preston could still be on the cards.

There was less encouraging, but expected news regarding Riccardo Calafiori, who is set to miss several weeks with a knee issue sustained during Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal goes down with a injury as Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal checks on him during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arteta confirmed, “He will be out for a few weeks, I would say. Still a few weeks.”

William Saliba is available again after serving a suspension, but Arteta remained coy on whether he would immediately reintegrate the Frenchman into the starting lineup. “I will decide that and when I decide, you will see the team,” he said, leaving open the possibility of a cautious approach to Saliba’s return.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Gabriel and William Saliba of Arsenal speak during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

In more positive news, Martin Odegaard is inching closer to a comeback following his ankle ligament injury sustained during international duty in September. The Norwegian has been “on the grass for a few weeks,” according to Arteta, though there are still “a few boxes to tick” before he is fully ready to join team training.

The manager expressed hope that Odegaard could return before the next international break, but his availability will depend on how he progresses through the latter stages of his rehabilitation.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks dejected following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

When asked about Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s role in the team, having been overlooked in recent matches in favour of youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arteta pointed to the difficult decisions that need to be made when selecting the lineup. “These decisions are always difficult to make,” Arteta said. He also noted Zinchenko’s proven ability over the years, which may bode well for his chances of reclaiming a more consistent role moving forward, but probably doesn’t.

Kieran Tierney is nearing a return after his lengthy absence due to a hamstring problem. Arteta revealed that Tierney is “quite close” and “looking really good,” although the Scottish full-back has yet to rejoin team training. “Hopefully, he can do that in the next week or two,” said Arteta, indicating that his return may not be far off.

Another player on the cusp of a potential appearance is goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who could make his debut against Preston. Arteta commented, “We brought him because we know that he’s got the qualities that we’re looking for in our goalkeeping area, but unfortunately, he’s been injured so he hasn’t really played. Let’s see if we play him tomorrow.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: David Raya of Arsenal embraces his teammate Tommy Setford prior to the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Gunners’ squad depth has been tested by injuries across the board, and Arteta will be keen to navigate the congested schedule while managing his players’ fitness levels prudently.

With the Preston game offering an opportunity for rotation, Arteta’s decisions will likely balance the need to progress in the Carabao Cup with the imperative to keep key players healthy for the battles ahead.