Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Ben White and Gabriel missed Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Preston on Wednesday due to injury.
Gabriel was forced out of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, replaced by Jakub Kiwior, due to an apparent knee injury.
Ahead of the trip to Preston on Wednesday, Arteta said of the Brazilian defender: ‘We are still assessing him. It doesn’t look bad at all. It was much better the next day. He has done some tests.’
However, he is not in the squad against the Championship side, with Arteta saying ahead of kick-off: ‘He could not train, obviously he’s out at the moment so let’s see how he evolves over the next few games.’
White played the full game against Liverpool on Sunday, but Arteta says he was suffering by the end of the match and could not be selected in midweek.
‘He was struggling at the end of the match so he wasn’t available for tonight’s game,’ the Spaniard said of the English defender.
There had been concerns over another defender in Jurrien Timber as he was substituted on Sunday, but the Dutchman starts at Preston so fears have been allayed.
Despite the absentees, Arteta has fielded a strong team including William Saliba, Mikel Merino, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, there are starts for teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford and midfielder Ethan Nwaneri.
On competing in the Carabao Cup, the Gunners boss said: ‘It is important because it keeps everyone alive.
‘It can help you maintain the winning habit which is really, really important. You show that you care about every competition regardless of what you play.
‘You have to compete for every match you are in or you are out. The margins are so small and we face a tough opponent.’
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