Arsenal fans have been anxiously awaiting clarity on the fitness situations of defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, two cornerstones of Mikel Arteta’s back line. After weeks of speculation, the club and Arteta have finally provided definitive updates—delivering both relief and concern depending on which player you’re looking at. The contrasting timelines tell the story of Arsenal’s current defensive challenges and the difficult balancing act ahead.
Starting with the more optimistic development, William Saliba is on the verge of returning. According to Mikel Arteta, Saliba is now only “a matter of days” away from being declared fully available for selection. The French center-back has been recovering from a minor but persistent issue that the coaching staff has managed cautiously to avoid aggravation. Reports suggest that Saliba has responded very well to treatment, and his progression through training milestones has been encouraging. Multiple outlets have confirmed that he could be back as early as Arsenal’s next fixture, assuming he completes final fitness assessments without setbacks.
Saliba’s return could hardly come at a better time. Arsenal have been stretched thin defensively, forced to adapt with rotational players and altered tactical setups. Saliba’s calm distribution, aerial dominance, and elite reading of the game have been sorely missed. Arteta relies heavily on his presence to maintain a high defensive line and controlled buildup from the back. With Arsenal entering a crucial run of fixtures domestically and in Europe, having Saliba back on the team sheet offers immediate stability and leadership. Supporters will be thrilled to see him nearing full readiness, and the internal belief within the squad is expected to rise significantly once he steps back onto the pitch.
On the other hand, the outlook for Gabriel Magalhães is far less positive. Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel remains “some weeks away” from returning to action. The Brazilian defender suffered a thigh/groin injury while on international duty—an issue that has taken longer to heal than initially hoped. Despite returning to London Colney for treatment, progress has been slow, and the medical team is unwilling to rush him back given the high risk of recurrence associated with this type of muscle injury.
Gabriel’s absence has created a notable imbalance in Arsenal’s defense. Beyond his physicality and ball-winning prowess, Gabriel is a vocal organiser who brings aggression and intensity to the back line. His partnership with Saliba is one of the Premier League’s most formidable, and without him, Arsenal have had to rely on makeshift solutions, including shifting fullbacks into central roles. While Arteta has praised the adaptability of his squad, it’s clear that Gabriel’s absence is felt deeply. With his return estimated to fall sometime toward mid-to-late December, Arsenal face a tricky period of managing defensive rotations with caution.
In summary, Arsenal’s updates give supporters a mix of encouragement and concern: Saliba is nearly ready to return, offering an immediate boost, while Gabriel remains sidelined for several more weeks, creating short-term challenges that Arteta must navigate carefully.