Arsenal Fans, Brace Yourselves! The injury list is shaking things up ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash with Everton, and it’s a rollercoaster ride of good news and major worries for Mikel Arteta!
Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead of Everton Fixture: Gabriel’s Status and Timber’s Return
Mixed Injury News for Arteta’s Arsenal
Mikel Arteta faces mixed fortunes on the injury front, with some positive updates counterbalanced by ongoing challenges. Arsenal’s open training session on Tuesday at London Colney saw six players absent, including recent casualties Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber.
Despite some uncertainty, Arteta fielded a nearly full-strength squad for the midweek Champions League game against Monaco, where both Timber and Partey were involved. However, defensive stalwarts Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori are major doubts for the upcoming Everton match.
Here’s a closer look at the current injury status of Arsenal’s key players:
Gabriel Magalhães
Injury: Muscular
The Brazilian defender sustained a muscle injury in November during a clash against West Ham and has since missed matches against Manchester United and Fulham. His absence continued into the Champions League fixture against Monaco.
What Arteta Said:
“We have to manage the players carefully. Some might not make it; we’ll decide in the next 24 hours. Gabriel has been playing a lot recently, including with Brazil, which could be a factor.”
Expected Return: Everton (H) – Saturday, December 4
Riccardo Calafiori
Injury: Groin
Calafiori was forced off early during Arsenal’s 5-2 victory over West Ham and has not featured since. He was also absent from the squad against Monaco.
What Arteta Said:
“Riccardo is eager to get back on the pitch, but we need to manage him carefully. His groin issue stems from playing more than we initially intended due to earlier injuries.”
Expected Return: Everton (H) – Saturday, December 4
Jurrien Timber
Injury: Unknown
Timber’s absence from Tuesday’s training session raised concerns after he completed the full match against Fulham last weekend. However, he made the bench against Monaco and played the final 30 minutes.
What Arteta Said:
“Several players are still being assessed, but we’re hopeful of making the right decisions for their fitness.”
Return Status: Available
Thomas Partey
Injury: Unknown
Partey skipped Tuesday’s training session but started and played the full 90 minutes against Monaco midweek.
What Arteta Said:
“Managing players is critical, especially with the congested schedule. We’ll make decisions closer to matchday.”
Return Status: Available
Ben White
Injury: Knee
White underwent knee surgery during the international break in November and is expected to miss significant time.
What Arteta Said:
“Ben will be out for months. Surgery was necessary to protect his long-term health.”
Expected Return: January/February
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Injury: Knee
Tomiyasu has seen limited action this season, featuring for just seven minutes before a knee injury ruled him out indefinitely.
What Arteta Said:
“Tomiyasu is undergoing rehabilitation in a different environment to help with his recovery. It’s a tough period for him, but patience is essential.”
Expected Return:Unknown
As Arsenal prepare to host Everton this weekend, Arteta will be looking to carefully balance player fitness while pushing for another crucial Premier League victory.
