Mikel Arteta warns Arenal must be ‘aware’ of knock to Gabriel Magalhaes on Brazil duty but plays down concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of Everton clash

Mikel Arteta has warned that Arsenal must be careful with star defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the coming weeks after the centre-back suffered a blow while on duty in Brazil.

Gabriel was a surprising omission from Arteta’s team sheets at the start of the season, with the Spaniard selecting Thomas Partey at right-back, while Ben White partnered William Saliba in the centre.

Against Manchester United, however, the Brazilian was back, partnering Saliba for a 3-1 win for the Gunners in a dramatic clash in the Emirates.

Gabriel was subbed off late in a 5-1 win over Bolivia during the international break, before being seen with an ice pack on his thigh.

However, just four days later he played the full 90 minutes against Peru, seemingly recovering from the minor niggle.

The defender was seen with an ice pack on his thigh after coming on as a substitute against Bolivia

However, four days later he played all 90 minutes of his side’s 1–0 win over Peru

“We always try to check on the players and understand what has happened,” Arteta claimed when asked about any concerns about Gabriel’s fitness.

‘We had good contact with the national team and Gabi had a little problem, but then he managed to play the second match.

“So it’s something we’ll obviously have to be aware of for the next set of games.”

Everton are next in line for the Gunners, who are yet to lose at the start of the season after three wins and a draw against Fulham.

A key part of what has made the Gunners so impressive over the past twelve months has been the rapid and continued rise of Bukayo Saka.

Fans may have looked on with concern as he appeared to struggle during England’s recent 1-1 draw with Ukraine, but Arteta has since allayed those concerns, claiming the player has returned to normal training.

‘He is doing well, he trained normally today. There is nothing to report. Every player has pain or problems. But (there’s) nothing to worry about.”

Although the Gunners entered the transfer market this summer to strengthen their midfield twice with the signings of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, it is another central player who could return to the fold soon enough.

Bukayo Saka looked set to compete for England against Ukraine but Arteta revealed he had been training normally

Long-serving Arsenal midfielder Mo Elneny could be in line for a return once he battles back from a long-term knee injury

Mohamed Elneny is now Arsenal’s longest-serving player, but has been out since January with a long-term knee injury.

“He has been training with us, he had a little problem in his hamstring a few weeks ago and is now back training,” the Spanish coach said when asked about the Egyptian stalwart.

‘It’s obviously a long-term injury, the final stages of rehabilitation now and then it’s about building momentum and playing time with him.

“I’ve always said he’s our glue player, he’s the one who brings everyone together, keeps everyone together. He is a very important player for me in the team and I am happy to have him.’