Manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has not trained with the rest of the squad in recent days after picking up an injury in midweek’s match against Atletico Madrid. He started Tuesday night’s La Liga game and also had a goal and an assist. However, he was substituted in the 72nd minute and manager Arteta admitted he had suffered a knock.
On Friday, Arteta told the media: “It’s not a big deal, but obviously the big Gabi had a problem and had to leave the pitch and hasn’t been able to train yet. So we’ll see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he’s available at the weekend or not.”
Arteta was also asked for an update on the club’s long-term absentees, including Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard.
“They’re all doing very well and they’re all starting certain activities,” he added.
“They’re all very willing to have it available as soon as possible, but at the moment no one is in the fray yet for the next week or so.”
If Gabriel misses Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace, summer signing Cristian Mosquera will likely replace William Saliba.
The 21-year-old has impressed since his £13m move from Valencia and Arteta is full of praise for the centre-back.
“It’s not easy to adapt to the league or adapt to a new way of playing, but Mosquela is a good example,” Arteta commented last month.
“I think what he did against Liverpool, what he did at Anfield, his first Premier League game, and he was thrown off after three minutes, is very difficult.
“I think he was great today as well, and the rest were new guys, so again, let’s take advantage of that and learn from them.
“They’re providing a lot of information now to help us use it in the right way.”
