Arsenal handed huge boost as Gabriel Magalhaes & Jurrien Timber in line to make injury returns before Man Utd trip in Premier League opener

Neither Gabriel nor Timber made an appearance during Arsenal’s recent tour of Asia. The Brazilian underwent a hamstring operation in April and only recently managed 45 minutes of action in a closed-door fixture against Watford. Unfortunately, a minor issue picked up during training halted his momentum, keeping him out since then.

Timber, on the other hand, has been carefully managed since undergoing surgery in May to address an ankle problem. Though he travelled with the squad throughout the pre-season tour, the Dutch defender was not risked in any of the matches, instead gradually building up fitness under the supervision of Arsenal’s medical team.

According to the Standard, both players have now resumed training, and there is cautious optimism in the Gunners' camp that they will be available for the upcoming friendly against Villarreal. Mikel Arteta previously indicated his belief that both Gabriel and Timber could be ready in time for the Premier League opener against the Red Devils, and the sight of both defenders participating in training at London Colney will come as a welcome relief for the Spaniard. 

In more encouraging news for Arsenal fans, new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has also resumed training. The Spaniard, who was unavailable during last week’s defeat to Tottenham due to a minor knock, is expected to be back in contention for the Villarreal match. Meanwhile, fellow summer recruit Noni Madueke could be set for his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt. The winger, who arrived from Chelsea, has been training since last week after cutting his holiday short to acclimate quickly with his new team-mates and surroundings.

Arsenal's highly rated 15-year-old duo, Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, were also involved in first-team training sessions. Both academy talents have impressed during the Gunners' summer camp and could be in line to play against Villarreal.

Arsenal’s friendly against Villarreal, set to take place at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, is expected to serve as a key evaluation point for Arteta to assess the players who are making a return from injury, like Gabriel and Timber. The Gunners will follow up that clash with another home fixture, this time in the Emirates Cup on August 9, where they are scheduled to face Athletic Club, before beginning their campaign against Man Utd at Old Trafford on August 17.