Mikel Arteta has played down any injury fears surrounding Gabriel Magalhaes but says Arsenal will need to manage the defender carefully over the coming weeks.
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The 25-year-old picked up a knock in the closing stages of Brazil’s comprehensive win over Bolivia last Friday and was seen with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh as he sat in the dugout.
Gabriel had complained of muscle pain but a scan revealed no injury and he played the full 90 minutes against Peru on Wednesday.
Despite coming through that match unscathed and taking part in training with Arsenal after returning to north London, Arteta says Arsenal will still tread carefully with the defender.
Asked if Arsenal need to be careful with Gabriel over the coming weeks, Arteta replied: ‘We try to always check the players and understand what happened.
‘We had good contact with the national team and Gabi had a little issue, but then he managed to play the second game.
‘So it’s something that obviously for the next sequence of matches we’re going to have to be aware of.’
One player who is working his way back into contention after a lengthy lay-off is midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who has not played since suffering a serious knee injury last season.
The Egyptian was spotted back in training and Arteta says he is nearing a return and could be involved during an incredibly busy period as Arsenal manage Champions League, Premier League and Carabao Cup matches.
‘He has been training with us, he had a little niggle in his hamstring a few weeks ago and he is back in training now,’ said the Spanish coach.
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‘Obviously it’s been a long-term injury, the latter stages of that rehab right now and then it’s about building momentum and game time with him.
‘I always said he’s our glue player, he’s the one that brings everybody together, sticks everybody together, he’s a really important player for me in the squad and I am delighted to have him.’
Arteta also played down fears over an injury to Bukayo Saka during the international break, saying: ‘He’s fine, he trained normally today. There’s nothing to report. Every player has pains or issues. But [there is] nothing to worry about.’
MORE : Mikel Arteta downplays Arsene Wenger’s fears over Arsenal’s Champions League return
MORE : Mikel Arteta plays down fears over Bukayo Saka injury scare
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