Arteta provides Gabriel fitness update ahead of West Ham contest

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 29 Nov 2024 14:05 GMT
• 4 min read

Mikel Arteta has delivered a fitness update ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with West Ham - though he remained coy about providing too many details.

The Gunners will face the Hammers on Saturday evening. The side will then welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium mid-week, and then head to Fulham on Sunday, in what will be a jam-packed fixture schedule.

Julian Lopetegui's side have picked up seven points from a possible 12 but their recent game was a surprise 2-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park.

READ MORE: Who won Ballon d’Or 2024? Final ranking and past winners

In terms of injury concerns for Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a knock during Arsenal's 5-1 Champions League win over Sporting CP. The centre-back was taken off late on in the European encounter.

Ben White is out of action for several months with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains unavailable and there is no indication of when he will be making a return.

So it looks like Jakub Kiwior will partner William Saliba in central defence if Gabriel is not available.

"A few of them weren't able to train yesterday, we will have to wait and see" ⏳

Mikel Arteta says we will have to wait and see if Gabriel is fit ahead of Arsenal's trip to West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday 🤕 pic.twitter.com/Bp8oOIJfGl

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 29, 2024

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What did Mikel Arteta say?

Arteta remains tight-lipped on the injury front ahead of the game with West Ham at the pre-match press conference.

In words picked up by Football.London, the Spaniard said: "Not a lot [of news to give] because we have another training session. We have to see how the boys are today. A few weren’t able to train yesterday, but hopefully yes today. We will have to wait and see."

He was then asked about Gabriel. "Wait and see." He asked if he would give more of a response and he replied: "No because I can’t. It’s not that I don’t want to."

On Jurrien Timber, he said: "We know what he can produce. He’s a player with exceptional qualities and a lot of leadership and the intention and purpose that he plays with."

"You see the courage, and with the intention and the purpose he plays with - and that’s very contagious. So it’s a player that still has many other layers and levels to go. We are very happy to have him."