Mikel Arteta hopes to have Gabriel available again for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle United should he emerge from training today unscathed.

The Brazilian defender limped off against Liverpool last weekend and missed their first game of the campaign against Preston North End in midweek, but the manager revealed he hopes to have his first-choice central defensive partner available again at St James’ Park with William Saliba. also returning from suspension.

However, for Gabriel everything is ready and Mikel reveals: “Today we have a training session. If you can complete that, you will be available. “He hasn’t had any training yet, but if he can do it today, he will be available to be in the team.”

Ben White replaced William in our 2-2 draw against the Reds last Sunday, but also missed Preston’s cup clash on Wednesday and Mikel admitted he is struggling with a new problem in place of the groin injury that missed the action last month.

That means Ben could join Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney on the bench, which disappoints Mikel as he was delighted with his performance at the heart of our defense last week at the Emirates Stadium.

“Riccardo and Martin are definitely out. With Ben, we don’t know yet. He hasn’t trained yet. He couldn’t train, he couldn’t get involved, so let’s wait and see if he is available. This is more related to a joint.

“He can play in those two positions, within those positions he can adapt his role and play at different heights, especially in possession of the ball, which we are demanding against a very difficult, tricky opponent with very particular duels, especially in that area of ​​the field. “To do that job, when you haven’t played there for over a year, I thought it was really good.”

While the game against Newcastle comes too soon for Odegaard’s return, the captain is closing in on a return and when asked if there was a chance he could return for the game against Inter Milan next week, Mikel suggested that might be close as I expected. to come back strong when given the chance to impress again in training.

Regarding how Martín is doing with his recovery, the boss added: “Now is the time when he will do some work with us. Let’s see how he deals with the pain, if he moves naturally enough, if he is now physically at the level he needs.” . requires him to compete.

“But with the pace of work and the hours he has put in, I would be surprised if by the time he starts training with us he doesn’t look ready. “Hopefully it will be soon.”