Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a fresh injury update on Gabriel Magalhaes following the 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea.
The Gunners shared the spoils against the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. They had a man advantage for almost an hour, but could not capitalise with a win.
Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about William Saliba’s fitness, who reportedly picked up a knock in training before the London derby.
In response, the Spanish tactician said that the 24-year-old will have a test today to assess his condition.
He added that there are still ‘some weeks’ to go before Magalhaes will return to the playing field.
Arteta said: “I don’t know. I think [Wilo] has another test tomorrow to see the extent of that feeling, that sensation that he had, then we’ll know more. With Gabi, there are still some weeks to go.”
Arsenal endured a difficult start against the Blues on the road. There was some nervousness at the back with a new central defensive partnership on show.
Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie were both guilty of gifting possession on more than one occasion, but the Gunners avoided conceding an early goal.
Caicedo’s sending off in the 38th minute provided a big advantage, but Arsenal could not capitalise. A poor bit of defending saw Trevoh Chalobah score from a corner shortly after the break.
Mikel Merino levelled the scores soon after, but the Gunners could not find the winner. Despite the result, Arsenal remain top of the league with a five-point lead over Manchester City.
The Gunners will be back in action against Brentford at the Emirates on Wednesday night. It remains to be seen whether Saliba will be fit enough to partner Mosquera or Hincapie in central defence.
Arsenal have a big decision to make over Riccardo Calafiori, who is on four yellow cards for the campaign. Another booking versus Brentford would see him suspended for the Aston Villa trip.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com