Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an injury update on defenders William Saliba and Gabriel ahead of the Gunners clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Gabriel picked up a knock against Chelsea and had to be substituted towards the end of the match. Arteta told the press that the Brazilian will be assessed on Saturday before the game on Sunday.
“We’ll have to see tomorrow how he is, but he could not finish the game [against Chelsea] so that was obviously a big sign for us and we’ll have to see how he is tomorrow.”
The Arsenal manager was also asked about William Saliba’s back injury and admitted there’s “not been a lot of progress” in the 21-year-old’s recovery.
“Not a lot of progress, he’s feeling better every single day but he’s still not been able to have any activity around the first team, so we don’t expect him to be with us.”
Arteta added: “We are not yet there today [on if Saliba will miss the rest of the season], because we are always hopeful and players are always pushing to play but if that is the case then we will announce that. Hopefully, that will not be the case.
“It’s about the healing process. Pain-wise and with things that he can do now off the pitch, I think he is in a good place, but we have to build his capacity again to have the right impact, the right load and be in good condition to train and play for the team.”
Arsenal take on Newcastle on Sunday at 16:30 BST.