Mikel Arteta has revealed Gabriel Magalhaes is a "big concern" ahead of Arsenal's huge Premier League clash against Newcastle this weekend. The Gunners boss added that he "doesn't know" if William Saliba will be available for selection for the trip to St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon.
Saliba has been sidelined with a back injury since Arsenal were dumped out of the Europa League at the hands of Sporting CP. Rob Holding has been deputising in his absence but Arteta opted to hand Jakub Kiwior his first Premier League start against the Blues.
Gabriel went down on the pitch three times with various problems before eventually being substituted by Arteta during the win against Frank Lampard's side. The Gunners have yet another huge game on the horizon at Newcastle following their win against Chelsea after they moved back to the top of the Premier League table last night.
READ MORE: Arsenal news conference LIVE: Mikel Arteta on Chelsea win, Gabriel injury scare and title race
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted Gabriel's injury problems during the match are 'a big concern'. "He [Gabriel] tried for 10 to 15 minutes and he couldn't carry on - a big concern," the Gunners boss said.
During his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Arteta was asked whether Saliba will be available for the trip to Tyneside this weekend. The Spaniard replied with a smile: "I don't know."
Arsenal could be without both of their starting centre-backs which could see Kiwior and Holding line-up alongside each other in defence. This would be a huge blow for Arteta and the Gunners as they cling on to their Premier League title hopes against Eddie Howe's high-flying side who have all-but secured a Champions League place next season.
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