Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a timely fitness update on his squad, offering hope that key defender Gabriel Magalhães could soon be back in action.
Defensive Boost and Blow Ahead of Festive Fixtures
The Gunners' boss confirmed that Brazilian centre-back Gabriel is "not far" from returning to the line-up. The defender suffered a hip injury last month while on international duty with Brazil, forcing him to miss recent matches.
However, there was less positive news regarding fellow defender Ben White. The England international will miss Saturday's Premier League trip to face Everton at Goodison Park. White sustained a hamstring strain during the recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers and is not expected back until the new year.
Midfield and Load Management Updates
Arteta also provided news on other first-team players. German attacker Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined with a knee problem, could also make a return in the near future, bolstering Arsenal's attacking options.
In a separate piece of team management, midfielder Martin Zubimendi was absent from training this week. The club confirmed this was a planned absence for "load management", suggesting a tactical rest rather than a new injury concern.
Navigating a Packed December Schedule
These updates come at a critical time for Arteta's side, who face a demanding run of games during the festive period. The immediate focus is the Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday 20 December 2025.
Beyond that, Arsenal's schedule includes a Carabao Cup quarter-final and several crucial league fixtures in quick succession. Having a fully fit squad will be paramount as the team competes on multiple fronts.
Arteta's careful management of player fitness, highlighted by Zubimendi's rest, will be tested as Arsenal look to maintain their momentum during one of the busiest phases of the English football calendar.
