Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared positive updates on the fitness of defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori as the Gunners prepare to host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
The team heads into the fixture fresh off a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Monaco in the Champions League, but injuries to key players have posed challenges in recent weeks.
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes could make his return to the squad after missing the last three matches in all competitions due to a hamstring injury. The issue initially arose during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Sporting CP and worsened in a subsequent game against West Ham.
Before his absence, Gabriel had been a mainstay in the Premier League, playing 41 consecutive matches. His absence has seen Jakub Kiwior partner William Saliba in central defence, with the Gunners dropping crucial points against Fulham last weekend
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided an encouraging update: “There is a possibility with one of them to be available. He trained today. It’s Gabriel.”
Gabriel has remained supportive of the team, spotted behind the bench during Arsenal’s recent victories over Manchester United and Monaco, and his return would bolster both the defense and Arsenal’s set-piece threat.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined with a groin problem, remains under the care of Arsenal’s medical team. Arteta confirmed that his return timeline is being closely monitored: “We’re just respecting the times that the medical department has set. We monitor him every day.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko also remains unavailable due to a muscle injury, further limiting Arsenal’s options at left-back.
In the absence of Calafiori and Zinchenko, 18-year-old academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in the Champions League against Monaco. Starting ahead of the more experienced Kieran Tierney, Lewis-Skelly delivered a standout performance, including a precise pass for Gabriel Jesus to assist Bukayo Saka for the opening goal.
Arteta hinted that the youngster could feature again, stating: “You always take a chance. It doesn’t matter the experience or age. He was surrounded by very experienced players. We believed he could help the team to win the game, and he certainly did that.”