Kieran Tierney - Arsenal training Champions League
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal, in outstanding form since the November international break, are gearing up for a Premier League London derby against Fulham on Sunday. However, concerns have emerged after two key players were absent from training footage released on Friday.
The Gunners have won all four matches since the break, including a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday. Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both from corners, highlighted Arsenal’s strength in set-pieces and kept them within seven points of league leaders Liverpool.
As Mikel Arteta’s side prepares to visit Craven Cottage, injury concerns loom. Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori were notably absent from first-team training, raising doubts about their availability for Sunday’s fixture.
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Gabriel sustained a head injury during Arsenal’s 5-2 victory over West Ham last Saturday. The Brazilian defender was inadvertently struck by former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski while contesting a ball. Although Gabriel missed the Manchester United clash as a precaution, his condition is being closely monitored.
Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes - Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes (Image credit: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori was sidelined after failing a late fitness test before the United match. The Italian international, who has struggled with injuries since his summer move from Serie A, has been a vital squad member when fit.
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In their absence, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko deputised effectively against Manchester United. Arteta will hope to have both Gabriel and Calafiori available for Sunday, given Arsenal’s ongoing injury struggles this season.
Speaking after the Manchester United victory, Arteta addressed the status of the two defenders: “Gabi was a big risk to play today because he felt something against West Ham. Sunday is going to be a possibility with Riccardo as well; let’s see how he reacts.”
Arsenal’s trip to Fulham presents another opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool, but fitness concerns could impact Arteta’s options for the London derby.
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