"If he can complete that training session today, he'll be in the squad" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides update on Gabriel, Calafiori and others

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes could play for Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners will be without Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, and Takehiro Tomiyasu for their match against Newcastle United on Saturday (November 2).

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Arteta admitted that Gabriel was in line to face Newcastle United this weekend. He believes that the defender could make the team if he completes the training on Friday (November 1). He said (via football.london):

"Yes it’s good news on Gabriel. We have a training session today. If he’s able to do that he’ll be in the squad."

However, it is not all good news for the Gunners as Calafiori and Odegaard remain out. Ben White is doubtful for the match as Arteta said:

"Riccy and Martin are out definitely. With Ben we don’t know yet. He could not train so let’s see what happens."

When quizzed about club captain Odegaard, Arteta added that the Norwegian was slowly getting into light training:

"Now is the stage when he’s going to start to do certain work with us. Let’s see if he deals with pain if physically he’s able to compete. With the work he’s put in I would be surprised if when he’s back training with us we don’t say he’s ready."

Arteta went on to reveal that Tomiyasu was going to be out of action until the international break:

"I don’t expect him to be available before the break unfortunately."

Arsenal are 3rd in the Premier League table – five points behind leaders Manchester City. They drew 2-2 with Liverpool last weekend and now face Newcastle United and Chelsea in their next two league fixtures.

Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal star ahead of Newcastle United clash

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Ethan Nwaneri has the quality to become one of the best in the world. The Arsenal manager believes that the teenager is a rare talent and they did everything they could to keep the academy graduate at the club.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Arteta said (via football.london):

"I can talk how good he is right now. At 17-years-old to be in the position he is at one of the biggest clubs in Europe shows the quality he has. What happens in the future will depend how much he wants it. My prediction for him is very positive.

"It’s rare to see a talent like this at 17-years-old that’s true. When we gave him his debut at 15 there was a lot of talk about it but we didn’t do it as a gift. We did it as a proof of a pathway and how much we wanted to keep him."

The Arsenal teenager has played six matches so far this season and scored three goals. All the goals have come in the Carabao Cup, where they have faced Bolton and Preston North End.