Arsenal handed huge Gabriel Magalhaes injury update ahead of Newcastle

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have Gabriel Magalhaes fit enough to start against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

The defender suffered a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week to force him to miss Wednesday night's EFL Cup win over Preston North End.

Arteta later confirmed that the issue was not as serious as first feared. On Friday, the Gunners boss hinted that the Brazilian could be available for today's trip to St. James' Park. "Yes it's good news," he said. "We have a training session today. If he's able to do that he'll be in the squad."

Arsenal go into the game thankful that William Saliba is back from his suspension after receiving a straight red card against AFC Bournemouth. Arteta could have his strongest centre-back partnership back should Gabriel be deemed fit.

Despite the Spaniard remaining coy over his return, Gabriel's fitness may have already been revealed. On Friday night, he was named in the Brazil squad for their upcoming games with Venezuela and Uruguay.

Gabriel has become a mainstay in the Brazil national team and has played every minute of their World Cup qualification campaign this season. Despite his injury, his inclusion in Dorival Junior's squad comes as a boost.

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The call-up is better news when reading Dorival's comments on Neymar. The Al-Hilal star returned to action last month after a year out with an ACL injury but was not named in the squad.

"We decided not to bring him so as not to rush things," the Brazil boss said of Neymar. "He's practically fully recovered, but he only had a few minutes, which weighed heavily on the decision.

"He was willing to be here but he also understood the situation, the condition he is in, the lack of minutes [13] on the field. We have to respect the club's process. A player of his level always has the pleasure of being here. This is very important to us, even though he is not in full condition."

That hints the Brazil coach is confident Gabriel will be fit enough to make an impact - just as Mikel Arteta will be ahead of the game against Newcastle.