Arteta delivers latest injury update on 2 Arsenal stars | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has eased concerns over the fitness of Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, confirming both defenders are close to returning but will not be rushed back.

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Neither player featured in the midweek win over AC Milan or in Friday’s open training session at the Singapore National Stadium, with Timber’s absence anticipated as he continues rehabilitation from ankle surgery.

Gabriel’s omission, however, drew attention after he had already featured for 45 minutes against Watford earlier in pre-season.

“Gabi got a little niggle in training and we didn’t want to take any risk,” Arteta said. “Hopefully in the next week or so he’s going to be able to train and play again.

“And with Jurrien, he’s getting very close. He’s almost hit every point that we needed after the surgery and the period of rehab that he needed. And I think in the next few days he’s going to start doing it again.”

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Arteta had already explained the approach after the Milan game, noting the need to manage players’ workloads amid travel and climate changes on tour. “Gabi had a little niggle the other day in training, and because of the fact that he’s been out for so long as well, we have to manage him.

“I mean, we’ve been in Spain, different pitch, different conditions, go to the UK, different ones, come here, and there are a lot of changes, so we have to minimise the risk with him.”

Despite being set to miss Sunday’s fixture against Newcastle United, Gabriel has been described by Arteta as “in good shape”, while Timber is expected to return to full training shortly, with both players on track to be available ahead of the competitive season.