Gabriel Magalhaes, a key Arsenal defender, is a major doubt for Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The Brazil international injured his knee in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool and did not appear in Wednesday’s 3-0 EFL Cup last-16 triumph against Preston North End.
Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel has averted a catastrophic injury, but his status for Saturday’s game is unknown, as are the availability of Martin Odegaard (ankle), Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Kieran Tierney (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee).
On a positive side, William Saliba has been cleared to return to Premier League action following his recent ban, and Jurrien Timber was able to play the first half at Deepdale after being substituted against Liverpool due to cramp.
The pair are therefore shoo-ins for the rearguard on Saturday, while Ben White should be alright after missing the Preston win as a precaution, and Jakub Kiwior may be given the nod over fellow left-footer Gabriel.
Mikel Merino played another 45 minutes on Wednesday, but the Spaniard, who scored in the draw with Liverpool, is on the verge of being replaced as Arteta brings Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Leandro Trossard back into the central areas.
The latter could work in tandem with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the attacking third, as Kai Havertz prepares for one of the most challenging aerial battles he could face in Dan Burn.
Arsenal’s likely starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Timber; Rice, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.
