Mikel Arteta has provided and update on the fitness of Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhães after both players missed the squad for the 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore.
Timber’s absence came as no surprise, with the Dutch defender still working his way back from ankle surgery. “Jurrien is still not there, he’s not fully trained yet with us,” Arteta said after the match.
Timber missed the end of last season and Arsenal are taking a cautious approach to his reintroduction.
Gabriel’s omission, however, raised eyebrows given he featured for 45 minutes against Watford earlier in pre-season.
Arteta explained: “Gabi had a little niggle the other day in training, and because of the fact that he’s been out for so long as well, we have to manage him.
“I mean, we’ve been in Spain, different pitch, different conditions, go to the UK, different ones, come here, and there are a lot of changes, so we have to minimise the risk with him.”
Despite the setback, Arteta said before the match Gabriel “looks in good shape” and could return for the clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Timber will remain on his individual recovery programme before being eased back into full training.
The win, secured thanks to a Bukayo Saka goal in the second half in what was a dominant Arsenal performance, also gave supporters a first look at summer signings Christian Nørgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, all of whom impressed.
There were debuts too for 15-year-olds Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, further highlighting the depth of academy talent being pushed towards the first team.