Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on defenders Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, suggesting all three should be available for the start of the Premier League season.
Asked after Arsenal’s 1-0 friendly defeat against Tottenham in Hong Kong whether there was any risk of them missing the match against Manchester United on August 21, Arteta told reporters: “I don’t think so. If they evolve like they’ve evolved in the last few days — Gabriel Magalhaes, Calafiori and Timber — the three of them will be available.”
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Gabriel has not played in any of Arsenal’s three friendlies in Asia after picking up an injury in training. Calafiori started the games against Milan and Newcastle, but was absent against Tottenham.
Timber has been continuing his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery in May, but did take part in a training session with the team on Tuesday evening.
Leandro Trossard was substituted against Tottenham, and Arteta confirmed he had suffered an injury. “Yeah he felt a little tweak,” said the Arsenal manager. “I think he tried to turn and he was pushed and he felt something muscular so we’ll have to assess him.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga, meanwhile, was absent from the squad after picking up a minor injury in Singapore. “Yeah, he felt something as well in the game against Newcastle,” confirmed Arteta. “I think it’s a matter of days, probably. If that was the Premier League he could have played but we decided not to take a risk.”
That final point is important — at this stage of pre-season, Arsenal are not inclined to take risks with players’ fitness. If there is any doubt, they want to be cautious to ensure good availability at the start of the season.
Although Arsenal were beaten by Spurs, Arteta said he felt the friendlies in Singapore and Hong Kong had been a useful exercise.
“Yes, for the three of them and today in particular,” he added. “Again, it threw different demands and different understanding of things that we have to do. I am very pleased with what I’ve seen in most of the things that we’ve done, but we miss something in certain moments. That preciseness, that moment that unlocks the result, the moment to turn the result our way and with the match.
“But in terms of attitude, the desire, level of organisation in the team, it was great and we have to continue to elevate a little bit all the individual aspects.”
Arsenal fly home on Friday, and have their two final friendlies at the Emirates Stadium next week against Villarreal (August 6) and Athletic Bilbao (August 9).
(Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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