Mikel Arteta has delivered the latest injury update ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday.
The bad news for Arsenal fans is that Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, and Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the game, but captain Martin Odegaard is nearing a return.
Calafiori’s injury, sustained in the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, will keep him out for the third straight game. Meanwhile, Odegaard’s recovery from an injury suffered on international duty in September is on the right track.
Key defender Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to be fit to start, which should see the Gunners’ first-choice defensive partnership restored. The defender was forced off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool but has recovered quickly.
“It’s good news on Gabriel,” Arteta confirmed. “If he’s able to train, he’ll be in the squad.”
As for the others, Arteta provided a brief update: “Riccy and Martin are out definitely. With Ben White, we don’t know yet. He couldn’t train, so let’s see what happens.”
Arsenal fans will be relieved to have Gabriel back in the lineup but will be eagerly awaiting the return of Odegaard and Calafiori.
