Arsenal set for huge injury boost with two key players in line to return - but Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori remain out

The Brazilian defender gave fans a scare when he sustained an apparent left leg injury during Arsenal’s intense 2-2 Premier League draw with Liverpool. The 26-year-old was treated on the field after going down in the second half. Although Gabriel briefly attempted to continue, he eventually had to exit the game, with Jakub Kiwior stepping in to replace him.

After the match, Arteta could not immediately clarify Gabriel’s condition. However, in a press conference on Tuesday, the manager shared some promising news, stating that initial signs appeared encouraging.

"We are still assessing him,” Arteta explained. "It doesn’t look bad at all. It was much better the next day. Hopefully, he’ll be fine. He has done some tests."

Arsenal also faced concerns over Timber, who was forced to leave the Liverpool match in the second half. His premature exit raised questions about a possible aggravation of his recent injury, which had already kept him out of the squad for three consecutive games. Arteta, however, quickly dispelled fears of a setback, stating that Timber’s departure from the match was precautionary rather than the result of a fresh injury.

"Jurrien is fine," Arteta assured. "He was very tired. He’s been out for a while and he could not continue the game. Not a new injury there at all."

Both Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are unavailable for selection and will remain so in the near future. While the Italian defender "will be out for a few weeks" the club skipper is facing a race against time to get fit before the November international break.

Speaking on Odegaard, Arteta said: "He’s been on the grass for a few weeks, but there are still a few boxes to tick. How fast we can do that last stage of the rehab is a question we’ll have to answer once we have players around him and he starts competing with the team. He hasn’t done that yet."

When asked if he could get back before the break, Arteta added: "Hopefully yes but we’ll have to see how that stage goes."

With a busy schedule and the Premier League title race heating up, Arsenal will need every available player to step up their efforts and sustain their strong start to the season. Following their midweek Carabao Cup match against Preston North End, the Gunners will face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.