The Gunners played out a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. The game saw Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber substituted with possible injuries.
The London giants travel to Deepdale for tomorrow’s League Cup tie and ahead of the game, Arteta has provided an injury update on four key players including Gabriel.
The centre-back picked up a knock to his knee from a Darwin Nunez challenge at the weekend and the manager said that he will be assessed before the Preston trip.
He said on Gabriel (via football.london) “We’re still assessing him. It doesn’t look that bad. He was much better the next day. Too soon to say when he’ll be out.”
The Spaniard added that Timber was too tired against Liverpool and he is completely fine, but Riccardo Calafiori could be sidelined for a few weeks with a knee injury.
He added: “Jurrien was fine. He was too tired to continue the game. Not an injury there. He [Calafiori] will be out for a few weeks I would say.”
The 42-year-old tactician was further asked about Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian has been on the grass lately. Arteta believes he could return before the international break.
Arteta concluded saying: “He’s been on the grass for a few weeks but there is still a few boxes to tick. Hopefully he’ll be back before the international break.”
Arsenal have had a mixed run of results since the last international break. They suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth after William Saliba’s unfortunate sending-off.
The Gunners were far from their best in the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. They fared better against Liverpool, but could not secure three points.
The substitutions of Gabriel and Timber changed the complexion of the game. Arsenal need to respond tomorrow with a strong showing against Preston away.
The game offers the opportunity for Arteta to ring in the changes. Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are likely to start.
Arsenal have a huge challenge on their hands after Preston with games against Newcastle United, Inter Milan and Chelsea on the road before the November internationals.
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