Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori could be in contention to feature in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Fulham.
Both players missed Arsenal’s impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United midweek.
The Gunners delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates on Wednesday, overcoming a rejuvenated United side led by Ruben Amorim.
Goals from defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both scored from set-pieces, secured the win, ensuring Arsenal didn’t feel the impact of Gabriel and Calafiori’s absences.
The defensive duo were left out as a precaution after picking up knocks during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-2 triumph at West Ham last weekend.
Arteta has reassured fans that their injuries are minor and stressed the importance of not rushing them back into action prematurely.
“With Gabi, it would’ve been a big risk to play him today because he felt something against West Ham,” he said after the game.
“Sunday is a possibility, same with Ricci [Calafiori] as well.”
With Gabriel and Calafiori both unavailable, Jakub Kiwior stepped in at center-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko took up the left-back role.
The duo played a crucial part in securing a clean sheet. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised their performances, emphasising his trust in both players despite their limited recent game time for the club.
“Big credit to Jakub and Alex,” he said. “It’s the first start for Jakub after a long time. You have to be strong against this kind of opposition and front players.
“The same as Alex and they did magnificently well. Great. We trust them.
“They prepared so well, they had the opportunity, they grabbed it with both hands, so happy for the team.”
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