Manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Victor Gokeres, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea this weekend. Trossard was sent off in the first half of the Gunners’ impressive Champions League victory over Bayern Munich. The Belgian forward, who recently scored in both games against Sunderland and Tottenham, suffered a calf problem.
After Bayern Munich’s victory, Arteta revealed that Trossard “feeled something” and neither he nor the medical team were ready to take the chance, and he immediately brought on Noni Madueke as a substitute.
However, the Arsenal manager has now hinted that the former Brighton star could feature against Chelsea.
He said: “Leo has another test today, but it doesn’t seem to be too big of a problem. There is a potential possibility that he will be able to compete.”
Arteta remained tight-lipped about whether Gokeres and Havertz would be available for the clash at Stamford Bridge.
When asked about the possibility that the two were involved, he said: “Well, there’s another day tomorrow. So let’s see what happens.”
Asked further about whether a mid-week test had yielded a positive result, he continued: “Obviously, not yet. But the test is getting closer and closer.”
Arteta also confirmed that Gabriel Jesus recently played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford and has returned from knee surgery in January.
“Yeah, it happened, Gabi was involved and Ethan wanted some minutes, so we took advantage of that opportunity,” Arteta said.
Gabriel Magalhaes remains sidelined after sustaining a thigh injury during the international break with Brazil.
The 27-year-old also underwent further tests this week to get a better idea of when he will return to action.
Arteta commented on Gabriel’s condition, suggesting he may recover sooner than expected.
“Not yet, but I think he’s progressing really, really well,” said the Spaniard. You will have to wait a little longer for the scan. I’m really confident in Gabi’s evolution. ”
The defender was initially expected to be out for around four weeks when the issue first emerged. He has already spent nearly two weeks recuperating since Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal.
