Prior to the trip to Deepdale, White had started the last three games having only just returned from a four-week injury lay-off. Him being rested appeared to suggest that he would be fine to come back into the starting XI against Newcastle, however that may not be the case.
"With Ben we don't know yet," Arteta admitted in a press conference. "He could not train so let’s see what happens." As for Gabriel, though it appeared his problem was more serious, he is contention to feature on Tyneside, based on the latest update from the Arsenal boss.
"Yes it's good news on Gabriel," he revealed on Friday. "We have a training session today. If he's able to do that he’ll be in the squad." Arteta will be desperate for him to play as other injury issues still remain prominent with Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard ruled out, however a positive update was provided on the latter.
"Now is the stage he is going to start doing certain work with us and just see how he deals with pain, if he is moving naturally enough and if he is physically at the level required to compete," Arteta replied when asked if the Norway international being available to face Inter next Wednesday is a possibility.
"But with the work rate and the hours he has put in I would be surprised if the moment he starts training with us we don’t say he is ready so hopefully soon." Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also still out because of injury issues with Arteta confirming the Japan international will not be back before the November international break.
As for Newcastle, there is doubt surrounding Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon with Eddie Howe offering new updates on both before Saturday's clash. As for guaranteed absentees, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson all have injury issues that will keep them from featuring.
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