MIKEL ARTETA has confirmed Arsenal are staring down a defensive injury crisis ahead of their crunch clash against Newcastle.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Arteta revealed both first-choice defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba could miss the fixture.
Gabriel was unable to complete the 3-1 midweek victory over Chelsea, being taken off towards the end of the game following an injury complaint.
This prompted fears Arsenal could be without both first-choice centre-backs.
And these concerns could be realised with Gabriel facing a late fitness test to see whether he can feature at St James’ Park on Sunday.
On Gabriel, Arteta said: “We will have to see tomorrow how he is, but he could not finish the game so that was a big sign.”
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Saliba has been battling fitness ever since picking up an injury in the club’s Europa League clash with Sporting Lisbon in March.
Arteta revealed on Saliba: “There’s not a lot of progress.
“He’s feeling better every day but he’s not been able to have any activity around the first team so we don’t expect him to be with us [against Newcastle].”
In Saliba’s absence, the North London side have failed to keep a single clean sheet, with this defensive fragility seeing them relinquish their advantage in the title run-in to Manchester City.
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Pep Guardiola’s outfit now sit two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
However, Arteta is not giving up on the title just yet, and hopes Saliba can boost the squad by returning before the end of the season.
He added: “We are not there yet because we’re always hopeful and players are pushing to play. If that’s the case we’ll announce it, but hopefully not.
“It’s about the healing process, pain-wise and the things he can do off the pitch he’s in a good place, but we have to build that capacity with the right load so that he’s able to contribute to the team.”
Newcastle remain engrossed in the race for the top four, and a win for the Magpies on Sunday will all but end Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the title while significantly boosting their top-four hopes.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
