It looks like Gabriel Magalhaes might be available for Arsenal this evening.
The Gunners kick off the defence of their FA Cup title with a visit of Newcastle United.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said on Thursday that Gabriel wouldn’t be permitted to return until it’s safe to do so, having missed the last couple of weeks for covid-related reasons.
But the 22-year-old, a £27 million signing from Lille this past summer, was pictured in full training on Friday.
If he is allowed to interact with his Arsenal team-mates at London Colney, a return to the squad seems probable.
Here’s how fans of the North London side reacted on Twitter:
Pablo Mari has deputised brilliantly for Gabriel, it has to be said.
Since the Spanish centre-back has come back into Arteta’s first XI, Arsenal haven’t lost a game.
Not only that, but the Emirates Stadium side have actually won three on the bounce, scored eight and conceded only once.
With that in mind, even if Gabriel is available to face the Magpies, axing Mari – or Rob Holding for that matter – would be very harsh.
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