Arteta has ‘good news’ on the defender as the Arsenal boss confirms two ‘definite aways’ against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful Gabriel Magalhaes can play against Newcastle United but has ruled out club captain Martin Odegaard.

The gunners have suffered more injuries than any other Premier League club this season and centre-back Gabriel limped off in the second half last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against title rivals Liverpool.

Arteta says the Brazilian has not trained this week but Friday’s session will determine whether he can feature at St James’ Park.

“Yes, it is good news about Gabriel,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.

“Today we have training. If he can complete that, he will be available. He hasn’t had training yet, but if he can do that today he will be available in the team.”

Arteta added that summer signing Riccardo Calafiori and captain Odegaard are “out”, while Ben White’s availability is uncertain. Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu is not expected to be available before this month’s international break.

‘Riccy and Martin have definitely figured it out. We don’t know yet with Ben. He couldn’t train, so let’s see what happens.”

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On injuries this season, the Spaniard added: “Unfortunately, a lot of things happened that we didn’t plan for.

“I suspected, given the size of the squad we had, that we would have to be very adaptable during the season and that is something we have been working on from day one in pre-season. But not to be as adaptable in certain scenarios.

“The team has certainly shown an incredible ability to compete, to be better than the opponent in many moments. “But it’s true that something happened very early in the second half that affected the rest, but we’re here.”

Asked if Odegaard is on the verge of returning, Arteta said: “This is the stage where he will do some work with us. Let’s see how he handles pain: is his movement natural enough? He is physically at the level that requires him to compete.

“With the work rate and the hours he puts in, I would be surprised if we don’t say: ‘He looks ready’ when he starts training with us. Hopefully soon.”

Arsenal face Newcastle in the early kick-off on Saturday and victory would move them one point behind Liverpool and two ahead of champions Manchester City, who both play at 3pm on Saturday.

“The position in the league after nine games is difficult,” Arteta said of the Magpies. “When you see the matches they have, and also the situations they have been through.

“But it is a fantastic team that is very well coached. They are super intense, great stadium to play in. I’m looking forward to it.”

Ethan Nwaneri was able to gain a few minutes against Eddie Howe’s side after his screamer against Preston in the Carabao Cup.

“I can talk about how good he is now,” Arteta said of the teenager. “At 17, the position he is in at one of the biggest clubs in Europe is good where he is now. He is surrounded by the right people. My prediction will be very positive.

“It’s rare to see a talent like this at the age of 17, that’s true. We didn’t do it because it was a gift, we saw a path for him and wanted to show confidence in him.

“I think the most important thing is to push him. As soon as you push, grab him from behind. When you see this talent, you have to push him. He must see that he can fly and not cut off his wings.

“That shows in the building that there is a path for other players to follow.”