Arteta Provides Saliba Injury Update as Gabriel Layoff Continues

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães injury crisis worsens as both centre-backs face tests and setbacks during a critical Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that William Saliba will undergo further medical tests and Gabriel Magalhães will remain sidelined for several weeks, this intensified Arsenal’s defensive injury crisis and forced a makeshift backline in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta addressed the media following the Stamford Bridge derby, where Arsenal were once again without their elite centre-back partnership. The absences of both Saliba and Gabriel highlighted a worrying trend that threatens the team’s momentum in the title race.

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Saliba was a surprise omission after suffering discomfort in training on Saturday. Arteta revealed the French defender will undergo scans on Monday to determine the extent of the issue. It marks his seventh injury of the 2024–25 campaign, raising new concerns about long-term durability.

Gabriel Magalhães Still Weeks Away

Gabriel continues rehabilitation from the thigh injury he sustained on international duty in November. Arteta confirmed the Brazilian is “weeks away,” leaving Arsenal short at a crucial stage of the season.

With both first-choice defenders unavailable, Arteta turned to Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié, who formed an improvised partnership against Chelsea. Despite the patchwork lineup, Arsenal managed to secure a point in a heated London derby shaped by Moisés Caicedo’s red card.

After the match, Mikel Arteta gave updates on his injured players. On Saliba, he said another test will be done tomorrow to understand the extent of the issue. On Gabriel, he confirmed there are still weeks to go before a return.

Arteta’s tone carried cautious optimism, but the uncertainty clouds Arsenal’s immediate plans. The squad must adapt quickly while waiting for their defensive leaders to recover.

How the Injuries Affect Arsenal Going Forward

Arsenal’s defensive stability may suffer, particularly in upcoming high-stakes fixtures.

Mosquera, Hincapié and other rotational options will need to step up under pressure.

Sustained absences of Saliba and Gabriel could influence the Premier League title battle as rivals close in.

Arsenal’s draw at Stamford Bridge was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns. Saliba’s knock and Gabriel’s extended absence deepen Arteta’s defensive concerns at a critical moment in the season. The upcoming medical updates will play a major role in shaping Arsenal’s ambitions across competitions.

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