Mikel Arteta has revealed that Gabriel Magalhaes absence due to coming into contact with a positive test was not due to contact with other players.
Neither Wilian’s or David Luiz’s absence was related to his, nor was Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus positive test, and that the person was somebody from inside his personal bubble.
Gabriel will now have to be tested over the coming days, and the timing of his return will depend on those.
Mikel Arteta opens up on Gabriel Magalhaes' absence due to Covid restrictions 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/orjldbWgXR
— Just Arsenal News (@JustArsenal) December 27, 2020
Has Mari’s performance against Chelsea calmed worries over Gabriel’s absence? Could the pair be eyed as the partnership moving forward?
Patrick
Yep Gabriel and Mari in a 4, with Holding in a 5. If Arteta can drop his prejudices maybe he will start to introduce William Saliba. That would be as good for grudgy Arteta as it is for Saliba. Hopefully the young guns will save Arteta’s bacon.
Our bench should have Willian, Pepe, Auba & Elneny. Strong enough to support the youngsters in Saka, Martinelli, Bolugun & SmithRowe. Laca played well so he starts again, he opens the game up for the wingers with his hold up play and scored a calm Penalty. Xhaka also played well.
Gabriel & Partey to Return. Mari & Holding both did well along with the full backs.
Luiz, Papa, Mustafi and Ozil are all out of contract come the summer, get what we can however small the fee needs to be and get rid in January. Kolasnic & Willian can go now too.
Our team for future if everyone is fit and when the others have left;
Leno
Bellerin
Gabriel
Mari
Teirney
Partey
Xhaka
SmithRowe
Saka
Laca
Martinelli
Subs;
1. Auba
2. AMN
3. Pepe
4. Elneny
5. Holding
6. Nelson
7. Bolugun
8. Soares
We will need a few signings but with what’s gone we will be able to do that.
Forgot Saliba should be in there too!
I’m afraid I must have watched a different game for I was not too impressed with Mari who was fortunate not to have been sent off and conceded the penalty.Arteta is highly unlikely to play two left footed centre backs for obvious reasons.Mari is a decent footballer but I doubt if he will make it with Arsenal in view of his lack of pace.We do not have one quick CB in our pool at present and Mari is the slowest.
I suppose they could if needed perform as a partnership in a three or a four, but two lefties isn’t ideal.
. Better to keep Mari as Gabriel’s back up.
He wasn’t too bad yesterday, apart from giving the Chelsea penalty away & one rash challenge which might have got him sent off.
Jax
He was pretty good against Liverppol in that super-cup. I like Mari. Considering he is not fit the boy has done good. In my fantasy mind I see Gabriel and Saliba as a 4, Gabriel Saliba and Mari as a three. What do I know though?