Arsenal travel across London to play West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday evening and could be without key centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who was forced off vs Sporting
Mikel Arteta refused to give anything away when asked about the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes the day before Arsenal’s Premier League match against West Ham.
Gabriel was forced off with an injury during the final stages of Arsenal’s thumping 5-1 win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night. The centre-back scored on a brilliant night for the Gunners in the Portuguese capital but was replaced in the 84th minute by Jakob Kiwior after complaining of an injury.
Arteta described the issue as “some discomfort” in his post-match press conference and refused to give anything else away on Friday morning. Arsenal travel across London to face West Ham at the London Stadium in Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off and the Brazilian’s status remains unclear.
“Not a lot because we have another training session,” Arteta said when asked about injuries. “We have to see how the boys are. A few weren’t able to train.”
Pushed further on Gabriel’s availability, he added: “Wait and see.”
Gabriel has been a near ever-present for Arsenal this season, making 18 appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions. The 26-year-old’s partnership with William Saliba has been crucial to Arsenal’s success in recent seasons and Arteta will be desperate to have him available on Saturday.
Speaking on Tuesday night, he explained: “We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort. I was about to make the change for Raz [Raheem Sterling], poor thing, I couldn’t make the sub. We had to get him out.”
If Gabriel is unavailable on Saturday, then Arteta could turn to Jurrien Timber, who is now fully fit. Asked about the Dutchman, Arteta said: “For sure. At that level as well.
“We know what he can produce. He’s a player with exceptional qualities and a lot of leadership and the intention and purpose that he plays with.”
Arsenal go into the weekend’s fixtures fourth in the Premier League, level on 22 points with Chelsea and Brighton. They ended their four-game winless streak with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend and appear to have rediscovered form following the international break.
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