Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel fit after surgery as Arsenal handed double injury boost for pre-season | OneFootball

Gabriel underwent hamstring surgery in April but has recovered over the summer

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Saliba’s injury was far more minor, with the Frenchman forced to come off in the penultimate game of the campaign and missing the last day of the season at Southampton.

Both players have used the summer to recover, however, and they are part of Arsenal’s squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the centre-backs are in “good shape” and Gabriel made his first appearance since April during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford last Saturday.

“Well, we haven’t seen them for four or six weeks,” said Arteta. “They come back and they seem older, more mature, really excited - Gabi as well because of his new contract.

“He showed his commitment to the club and that he continues to grow in his role, so I am very pleased.

“He (Gabriel) played 45 minutes on Saturday against Watford. He looks in good shape, William Saliba as well.

“We have missed a lot of players at the end of the season, but they all look to be in the right direction and to be fit and contributing, too.”

Arsenal flew out to Singapore on Saturday and they will have their first friendly there on Wednesday, when they face AC Milan.

After that, the Gunners will take on Newcastle over the weekend - before travelling to Hong Kong for a clash with rivals Tottenham next week.

“We are super excited to be here,” said Arteta. “It’s been an incredible welcome from our supporters here, they are so passionate.

“We are adapting as well to the context, the weather, we weren’t able to train this morning, so we have to adapt to those situations as well.”