Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Gabriel Magalhaes after he went down four times with injury and was subbed off against Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Gunners defeated their London rivals 3-1 at home but injury to Gabriel is a massive blow to Arsenal, who are still without fellow centre-back William Saliba.
Arsenal face a trip to third-placed Newcastle United on Sunday – who have lost just once at St James’ Park this season and have been beaten just four times in 2022-23 – the same amount as the Gunners and Manchester City.
Realistically, Arsenal must win the game to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, but it is a huge ask for a team who could now be without both of their starting central defenders.
Asked for an update on Gabriel after the victory over Chelsea and if he will be fit for Newcastle, Arteta said: ‘I don’t know… He had to leave, he wasn’t comfortable at all.
‘That’s pretty strange from Gabriel because he’s a big fighter, but I don’t know.’
Quizzed about Saliba’s possible return, Arteta added: ‘I don’t know either.’
Jakub Kiwior, who joined the Gunners in January, made his first start for Arsenal in the 3-1 win over Chelsea and Arteta was delighted with the Poland international’s performance in central defence.
Arteta said: ‘Yes (I was pleased), especially Jakub, it was a big task for him he hasn’t played in the Premier League yet and to throw him in against top class players was a big ask.
‘But we believe he is ready and his partnership with Gabi worked out really well.’
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