Mikel Arteta provides latest on Martin Odegaard Arsenal return amid Gabriel injury update

Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on Martin Odegaard's return ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

The Norwegian has been out since September after sustaining ankle ligament damage while away on international duty. He has been back in partial training for a few week now though, and is edging closer to a return to joining the rest of the squad.

The 25-year-old had been pushing hard to make it in time for Newcastle but Arteta confirmed that he is definitely out for Saturday's match. There was more optimism though on Odegaard's chances of making it in time for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

"Now is the stage when he’s going to start to do certain work with us," Arteta said. "Let’s see if he deals with pain if physically he’s able to compete. With the work he’s put in I would be surprised if when he’s back training with us we don’t say he’s ready."

READ MORE: Arsenal receive Martin Odegaard and Gabriel injury boosts ahead of Newcastle as return date eyed

READ MORE: Arsenal face fixture nightmare over Crystal Palace tie amid Emirates Stadium issue

There was also positive news on Gabriel. The Brazilian missed Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Preston North End after coming off during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last Sunday. Arteta confirmed earlier in the week that the 26-year-old's injury was not as bad as first feared and now thinks he has a good chance of making it for Newcastle.

"Yes it’s good news," the Spaniard said. "We have a training session today. If he’s able to do that he’ll be in the squad."

There is a bit more of a question mark over Ben White however. The 27-year-old has suffered with a groin problem this season, but Arteta confirmed that he has picked up a new joint issue that could well keep him out of the journey to St. James' Park.

"With Ben we don’t know yet," Arteta said. "He could not train so let’s see what happens."

There is also bad news on Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japanese international has been out since picking up a fresh injury during his comeback against Southampton prior to the last international break. Arteta was not optimistic of his chances of being back before the next one.

"I don’t expect him to be available before the break unfortunately," the Spaniard said.

Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel

Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!

By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.

To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!

If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.