Arsenal once more fell foul to the injury Gods as mid-game problems for Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber disrupted Mikel Arteta’s already skewed plans against Liverpool. Lining up with a backline featuring Thomas Partey at right-back, the Gunners were left to re-adjust some more.
Ben White has shifted to the centre at the start of the match due to William Saliba’s suspension-enforced absence, whilst Timber wasn’t offered a comfortable return from his own lay-off. The Dutchman went straight into the middle of the action, pitted against Mohamed Salah.
That didn’t seem to bother Arsenal early on as they penned Liverpool back and took an early lead through Bukakyo Saka. Playing his own first minutes for over two weeks, he started on the right as captain for Arsenal. Virgil van Dijk and Salah would level for the visitors when Arsenal had worked a lead, though, leaving the title race picture as it had been to start with.
Here, football.london has the latest from the Arsenal treatment room ahead of midweek Carabao Cup demands away to Preston North End.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Injury: Knee.
Gabriel went down after a challenge from Darwin Nunez against Liverpool. The back of his left knee was hit and despite trying to play on, Arteta had to sub him off shortly after. The Brazilian was spotted with a large ice pack over his knee when sat on the bench.
What Arteta has said: “I don’t know but he could not run. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know if it’s the knee joint or the ankle. They’re assessing him now so [touches wood].”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Bukayo Saka
Injury: Hamstring.
Saka returned to the team against Liverpool, starting as captain. He was taken off in the second half but not due to injury.
What Arteta has said: “It tells you he’s been very consistent. He’s been very lucky with injuries [knocks on wood], hopefully that continues. After a few weeks off the way he played and competed was exceptional. I think we had some big, big performances from the team.”
What Saka has said: “”I’m feeling good, I felt I could finish the game but obviously the gaffer took me off. Yeah, I felt good.”
Possible return date: Returned.
Jurrien Timber
Injury: Unknown.
Like Saka, Timber started against Liverpool but had to be taken off before the end of the match. He appeared to go down with cramp before playing on. That didn’t last long, Miles Lewis-Skelly replaced Timber in the second half.
What Arteta has said: “I think we’ve done everything we could to accelerate that process [of him returning]. He was so willing. The team and the medical staff have done a great job. We gave ourselves the chance to compete. I don’t know the extent of the injury if there is one. The same with big Gabi [Gabriel Magalhaes]. Continue to go.
Possible return date: Newcastle (A) – Saturday, November 2.
Riccardo Calafiori
Injury: Knee.
Calafiori was forced off with an injury during the Champions League clash at home to Shakhtar Donetsk after slipping in a challenge. Reports in Italy, from Corriere Dello Sport, suggest that he will only be out for several weeks. The issue is not described as being serious.
He did not play any part in the draw to Liverpool.
What Arteta has said: “He needs some more tests. Yesterday he had some, today he’s going to have some more. Last time we thought it was really bad and then he ended up playing two days later.”