Arsenal get double injury boost ahead of Newcastle and Tottenham as Mikel Arteta provides update

Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on the availability of Arsenal’s only two injured stars from their pre-season squad. Jurrien Timber came out to Asia while still recovering from ankle surgery.

He has not been spotted doing any ball work so far, despite also being with the side in Spain during their warm-weather training camp prior to the flight to Singapore. Asked for an update on the player, it appears that the full-back is very close to taking some serious steps.

“Jurrien is getting very close,” Arteta said. “He's almost ticked every box we needed after the surgery and the period of rehab he needed. I think in the next few days he is going to start joining the team again.”

It seems the pre-season matches on the tour might come too soon for the Dutch international. However, there are still two more games in London against Villarreal and Athletic Club which could be where the 24-year-old gets his long-awaited return action.

Gabriel Magalhaes, meanwhile, is further ahead. He has been involved in training, working with the ball however he was not in the squad for the 1-0 win over AC Milan and Arteta again reiterated that the Brazilian had felt something in the lead up to the match and was left out as a precaution.

“Gabby felt a little niggle in training and we didn't want to any risk and hopefully in the next week or so he will be able to train and play again,” Arteta explained. Arsenal face Newcastle on Sunday and Spurs the following Thursday.

Arteta has already revealed that Gabriel has seen some action, in the behind closed doors friendly the club played on July 19 at their training ground. This is certainly a positive sign of where the team is at.

At the start of the tour, he said of the defender: “Gabby, with his new contract, he showed his commitment to the club and his desire to grow in his role. I am very pleased. He played 45 minutes against Watford [on Saturday]. He looks in good shape.

“We have missed a lot of players at the end of the season but they all look to be in the right direction and contributing on the tour.”

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