Gabriel has recovered from his injury ahead of Newcastle United clash but Arsenal could miss the services of another defender.
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Gabriel is likely to play against Newcastle Ben White likely to be out with an injury Arsenal plagued with multiple injuriesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian defender suffered an injury during the club's intense Premier League clash with Liverpool last weekend and had to be substituted in the second half. On Friday, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that he is on his way to attaining full recovery from the knock and hinted the player could be included in the Gunners' matchday squad for the upcoming Newcastle United clash.
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The Spanish manager, however, also confirmed that Ben White is doubtful for the match at St. James' Park on Saturday after he missed the last few training sessions due to an injury. White's absence will surely hurt the North London side who are already missing the services of captain Martin Odegaard and new signing Riccardo Calafiori.
WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID
Speaking to reporters, ahead of the crucial league encounter, Arteta said, "Yes (it is good news on Gabriel),” he said. “We have a training session today. If he’s able to complete that he will be available. He hasn’t had any training sessions yet but if he can do that today he will be available in the squad. Ricci and Martin are out definitely. With Ben, we don’t know yet. He hasn’t trained yet. He could not train, he could not get involved so let’s see what happens."
When asked about Odegaard's situation, the manager added, "Now is the stage he is going to start doing certain work with us and just see how he deals with pain, if he is moving naturally enough and if he is physically at the level required to compete. But with the work rate and the hours he has put in, I would be surprised if the moment he starts training with us we don’t say he is ready so hopefully soon."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
After facing Eddie Howe's team this weekend, the North London side have two big games lined up for them, first against Inter in the Champions League on November 6 and then Chelsea four days later in the league.