Arsenal: Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel and Jurrien Timber fitness updates after pair miss friendly | OneFootball

The Spaniard did not want to rush either man back into action

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hopes Gabriel and Jurrien Timber can return to training next week.

Gabriel, who underwent hamstring surgery in April, is struggling with what Arteta described as a “niggle”.

“And hopefully in the next week or so he is going to be available to train and play again.

“And with Jurrien, he is getting very close. He’s almost ticked every box that we needed after the surgery, and the period of rehab that he needed.

Arsenal added fresh defensive depth this week with the £13million signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

On signing, the 21-year-old said he could play in a variety of positions across the back four, while Arteta described him as an ‘exciting’ prospect.

“He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential,” said Arteta. “He will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season.

“Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us.”