Arsenal are facing a positive selection dilemma ahead of their London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, with key players Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori both in contention to return.
The pair missed the midweek 2-0 victory over Manchester United, having been sidelined due to injuries sustained in the 5-2 win over West Ham United.
Arsenal injury updates - LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal walks off with a injury during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Gabriel, who scored with a trademark header against West Ham, was replaced at half-time due to a hamstring issue.
Riccardo Calafiori, meanwhile, exited the same match in the 56th minute. Neither player featured against United, though manager Mikel Arteta remains cautiously optimistic about their chances of involvement this weekend.
Speaking at Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta said, “We have a few [injuries], obviously it’s matchday minus two, so we have to monitor a few players. Until we see tomorrow’s training session, it’s very difficult to say something.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Gabriel of Arsenal is fouled by Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United, which results in a penalty for Arsenal, during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on November 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Gabriel’s absence against United was due to lingering concerns from a previous injury, compounded by a physical clash during the West Ham fixture.
Arteta had previously confirmed that the Brazilian defender’s substitution against West Ham was precautionary. “It was related to the previous injury that he had in Lisbon. Obviously, he did great to be part of that, but with the niggle he’s feeling, we decided to take him off,” Arteta explained after the West Ham match.
Calafiori’s condition remains less clear, with no specific details about his injury. Arteta hinted at a potential return, stating, “Sunday is going to be a possibility with Riccardo as well; let’s see how he reacts.” Both players were reportedly working indoors during the open training session on Friday, indicating ongoing recovery efforts.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United controls the ball whilst under pressure from Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Arsenal’s recent matches have underscored the depth of their squad. Against Manchester United, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko stepped into defensive roles alongside Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, the latter duo providing the goals in a crucial victory. Thomas Partey also made a return to action after missing the West Ham clash, with Mikel Merino returning to take a place on the bench.
The congested schedule appears to be influencing Arteta’s cautious approach to squad management.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, out since the October international break, is back in training but yet to regain match fitness. Ben White, recovering from a minor knee procedure, is targeting a return later in the season, with Boxing Day an optimistic comeback date mentioned, although it is likely to be nearer February before we see him back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, sidelined with an unspecified injury picked up in training before the West Ham match. He remains under assessment.
As for Fulham, they will be without Reiss Nelson, who is ineligible to face his parent club (and also injured), and captain Tom Cairney, who is suspended.
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