Arsenal have been handed a timely fitness boost as defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber returned to full training ahead of Wednesday’s pre-season clash with Villarreal.
The duo had missed all of Arsenal’s summer friendlies while recovering from injuries but were pictured in full team training this week.
Gabriel has not featured since suffering a setback in April’s 2-1 win over Fulham, ruling him out of the final stretch of last season, including the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid.
He managed only 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford earlier this summer.Timber, who underwent ankle surgery in May, was also sidelined for that fixture but is now back on the grass and progressing towards match fitness.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard were absent as they continue their individual recovery plans ahead of next Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester United.
However, new signings Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke featured, with Mikel Arteta praising their impact.“These new arrivals add quality and depth,” Arteta said. “We know our targets, and there’s belief we can achieve them. But we must stay focused on the work required every single day.”
