Arsenal facing late injury blow as key man misses training ahead of Newcastle United clash

Arsenal continue to sweat over Gabriel Magalhaes’ fitness ahead of this afternoon’s visit to St James’ Park (kick-off 4:30pm).

The Brazilian went down four times before being substituted with five minutes to go during the 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, said “we’ll have to see how he is tomorrow.” And in the training pictures released by the Gunners on Saturday, Gabriel was among the players not spotted.

The 25-year-old has started every Premier League game for Arteta’s men this campaign, so his absence would come as a major blow. Football.London, however, do expect him to feature.

Arsenal are already without Gabriel’s centre-back partner William Saliba, who hasn’t featured since his side’s Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon last month.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu won’t be involved having already been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Arteta’s men must win against Newcastle United to keep their title hopes alive. They fell four points behind Man City yesterday after Pep Guardiola’s side beat Leeds United 2-1.

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