Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel injury update before Everton game as duo miss out

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on Gabriel's fitness (Image: Arsenal)

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has revealed Gabriel Magalhaes is set to return to action against Everton, but the Gunners boss will be left without two other players.

The Brazilian defender missed their Champions League clash in midweek where the Gunners beat AS Monaco 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old has struggled with a hamstring issue that has kept him out of their last three matches in all competitions.

He initially picked up the injury in last month's Champions League win over Sporting CP and exacerbated the problem a few days later against West Ham.

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However, Arteta is confident that the centre-back will be fit to return for the game at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

When asked if any injured players would be returning, he said: "There is a possibility with one of them to be available. He trained today. It’s Gabriel."

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But the Spaniard won't have Riccardo Calafiori or Oleksandr Zinchenko available to face the Toffees as the duo continue their recoveries.

Gabriel is set to return from injury for Arsenal (Image: Getty)

"We’re just respecting the times that the medical department has set," Arteta said of Calafiori. "We understand that he is not ready yet, we monitor him every day.

Arteta also ruled Zinchenko out of contention as the Ukrainian full-back picked up an issue before their 1-1 draw with Fulham last weekend.

It leaves the Gunners looking light of options at left-back, although both Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior are able to deputise now that Gabriel is back in the equation.

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss out through injury (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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One player who has excelled in the left-back role is 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly after the youngster was handed a surprise starting berth ahead of Kieran Tierney against Monaco.

Lewis-Skelly produced a composed and mature display at the back, not only helping keep a clean sheet but setting up the chance that led to Arsenal's opener as he pierced their defence with a sumptuous pass to Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta insisted that the teenager deserved his chance to step up to the plate and was pleased with his impact, suggesting he may retain his place to face Everton.

"You always take a chance. It doesn’t matter the experience or age. He was surrounded by very experienced players," Arteta added. "We believed he could help the team to win the game and he certainly did that."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel injury update before Everton game as duo miss out

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel injury update before Everton game as duo miss out

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel injury update before Everton game as duo miss out

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel injury update before Everton game as duo miss out

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issues Gabriel injury update before Everton game as duo miss out