Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is winning his fight to be fit to line up against Newcastle United today.
That is according to Goal, who report that Gabriel is now set to feature against the Magpies this afternoon.
Gabriel limped off against Chelsea in midweek having picked up an ankle problem in the 3-1 win.
The Brazilian had been a major doubt for the trip to Newcastle with Mikel Arteta non-committal on his possible involvement.
However, it’s now suggested that Gabriel is fit to feature and is likely to start against Newcastle.
That’s an enormous boost for Arsenal, who must win at St James’ Park after Manchester City beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday.
Arsenal are still in the Premier League title fight and Gabriel’s availability is just what Arteta and the Gunners fanbase needed to hear.
Arsenal simply couldn’t do without Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel has largely been outstanding this season, save for a few rash moments that have been magnified.
The 25-year-old has proven himself to be a quality defender whilst offering the balance of a left-footer in Arsenal’s back line.
Arsenal are already a man down at the back with William Saliba ruled out through injury.
Gabriel has been manning the Arsenal back line in his absence with Rob Holding struggling.
Jakub Kiwior, another left-footer, impressed alongside Gabriel against Chelsea but is still inexperienced in the Premier League.
Arsenal just couldn’t go into this big game against Eddie Howe’s flying Magpies with Holding and Kiwior as their centre back partnership.
Arteta must now hope that Gabriel – a £27million signing from Lille back in 2020 – doesn’t suffer any setbacks on the pitch at St James’ Park.
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