Mikel Arteta has given Ben White and Gabriel fitness updates ahead of Monday’s trip to Newcastle United.
White was on the sidelines through injury and was able to sit on the bench in Arsenal’s defeat to Tottenham on Thursday. Rob Holding was sent off, suspended for the Newcastle game, while Gabriel sustained a muscle injury in the second half.
Arteta is still hopeful that the pair will be available for picking next week on Monday.
“To take that risk [of bringing on Ben White] “In the case of the match it makes no sense,” he said after the match.
“Our focus is Newcastle. This match is history. He felt something so hopefully Ben is fit and Gabriel recovers because we don’t have enough players in defence.”
“Gabi is not usually a player who asks to go off the field. He did feel something but I hope it’s not too much. It’s a muscle problem and we have to evaluate it.”
Tottenham are now just one point behind and can move against Arteta’s side with a win over relegation-threatened Burnley on Sunday.
