The Norwegian has been out since September after suffering an ankle injury on international duty. He has begun training on the grass in the past few weeks, and speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth Mikel Arteta confirmed that the 25-year-old is entering the final stage of his rehab.
“He’s been on the grass for a few weeks, but there is still a few boxes to tick,” the Spaniard said. “How fast we can do that last stage of the rehab is a question we’ll have to answer once we have players around him and he starts competing with the team. He hasn’t done that
It is understood that the Arsenal skipper is pushing hard to be available for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle. However, it is far more likely that he will make his return to the squad for next week’s clash with Inter Milan.
There is also good news for Arsenal when it comes to the fitness of Gabriel. The Brazilian came off injured during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but Arteta confirmed later that the issue was not as serious as first feared.
It is understood that Gabriel was in contention to play in Wednesday night’s match at Preston North End. Arsenal ultimately decided to rest to the 26-year-old, however.
Riccardo Calafiori will be out until the international break at least though after sustaining a knee injury during the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Kieran Tierney is nearing a return, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out for the Gunners.
