Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners currently sit top of the table, six points clear of their second-placed opponents, but face several fitness concerns following a busy week that included wins over Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Defender Gabriel Magalhães, who has missed the last two matches after picking up an injury on Brazil duty, is making good progress. Arteta said: 'I think he's evolving really, really well. We have to wait for the scan a little bit longer to be more precise in terms of the timings.' The manager expressed confidence the Brazilian would return soon, though he could not confirm whether that would be before the end of the year.
Leandro Trossard is a doubt for the Chelsea match after being forced off in the first half of the midweek Champions League victory over Bayern Munich with a calf problem. Arteta said: 'With Leo, there is another test today - we'll have to see how he's feeling - and it doesn't look like much.' He added that there is 'a potential chance' the Belgian could be available on Sunday.
Striker Gabriel Jesus, sidelined since the win over Burnley at the beginning of November, is set for a repeat scan in the coming days. Arteta confirmed Jesus has participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly as part of his recovery from a serious knee injury, saying: 'He's been out 11 months, and you need that progression.' Kai Havertz is also nearing a return after undergoing a repeat scan, with Arteta adding: 'They are getting closer and closer. We are very positive with both of them.'
