Arsenal injury update on four players as one faces 'a few weeks out'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori will be out of action for “a few weeks”. The Italy defender missed the Gunners’ 2-2 Premier League draw with Liverpool on Sunday after twisting his knee during the second half of his side’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk last week.

Arteta was more optimistic about Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, however, after the duo were taken off against the Reds.

And the Spaniard also confirmed that Martin Odegaard could be back in action ahead of the final international break of the year.

Discussing Calafiori during a press conference ahead of the trip to Preston in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, Arteta stated: “He will be out for a few weeks I would say.”

Speaking about Gabriel, who had scans on his knee and ankle after the Liverpool clash, he explained: “We’re still assessing him. It doesn’t look that bad. He was much better the next day. Too soon to say when he’ll be out.”

And turning his attention to Timber, the Spaniard added: “Jurrien was fine. He was too tired to continue the game. Not an injury there.”

Arteta was then able to reassure fans about Odegaard’s return to action as he said: “He’s been on the grass for a few weeks but there is still a few boxes to tick. Hopefully he’ll be back before the international break.”

Odegaard has missed Arsenal’s last 10 matches in all competitions after injuring his ankle while playing for Norway last month.

But the midfielder gave an update on his fitness in the programme notes on Sunday as he wrote: “I’ve been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible.

“As I said in my notes on Tuesday, I feel like it’s close now, but although I haven’t been involved in the games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well too.

“To be honest my days haven’t been much different to before. I am still at the training ground every day, and they are long days as well.”

After travelling to Preston, Arsenal will return to Premier League action when they take on Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday. Arteta’s men then face a trip to Italy to play against Inter Milan in Europe next Wednesday ahead of a league clash at Chelsea four days later.

The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Manchester City, and are ninth in the Champions League table.