Positive Gabriel update, but Calafiori, Odegaard still out – Arseblog News

Arsenal could be boosted by Gabriel’s return as Mikel Arteta’s side kick off the Premier League weekend with a trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

The Brazilian limped off with what looked like a knee problem during last weekend’s draw against Liverpool, but speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Arteta had some good news for the defender.

“We have a training session today. If he can complete that he will be available, he hasn’t had any training sessions yet, but if he is able to today he will be available for the squad.”

William Saliba returned from suspension to start against Preston North End in midweek, which already boosts the backline, but there will be no return for Riccardo Calafiori or Martin Odegaard at St James’ Park, while Ben White is a doubt.

“Riccy and Martin are clearly out.

“With Ben we don’t know yet, he hasn’t trained yet, he couldn’t train, he couldn’t be involved, so let’s wait and see if he’s available.”

Jurrien Timber started in midweek and is likely to play again at Newcastle, with Thomas Partey, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Myles Lewis-Skelly candidates to complete the back line if Gabriel or White cannot prove their fitness in time.

Arteta also played down the chances of Takehiro Tomiyasu returning before the upcoming Interlull and was tight-lipped on Odegaard’s chances of making the trip to Milan next week.

“Now is the stage where he wants to start doing some specific work with us and just see how he deals with pain,” he said.

“Is his movement natural enough? Is he now physically at the level that requires him to compete? With the work and the hours he’s put in, I’d be surprised if the moment he starts training with us, you not saying he looks ready.

“So hopefully soon.”