The truth behind Gabriel Magalhaes rumours as Arsenal start Brazilian against Aston Villa

Gabriel Magalhaes was rumoured to be a doubt going into Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa. However, come the announcement of the line-ups and the Brazilian was indeed included in the starting eleven.

The centre-back had missed the portion of open training held by the club which constitutes the opening 15 minutes. However, it is understood that Gabriel did indeed come out later in the session to work with the team.

Mikel Arteta was asked specifically about his absence in his pre-match press conference. He said: “We’ve got one more day to prepare for the match and we'll see tomorrow if everybody is available.”

A favourite line of the Arsenal manager. However, when pressed further he replied with more optimism over his team: “We have some but hopefully with another day, we're going to be okay.”

Arsenal released images of the team training going into the weekend’s game. Arteta conducted a favourite technique of this season, training on the Emirates Stadium pitch, which he has done a number of times and included the likes of Jurrien Timber in the sessions too. It was the first time he has touched the north London stadium’s grass since August of course when he suffered his injury.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE: Kick-off time, TV channel, team news, live stream details

Full Arsenal squad for Aston Villa revealed as Mikel Arteta faces double injury dilemma

Gabriel was not included in the images of the squad training at the Emirates. Perhaps a tactic to keep Unai Emery and Aston Villa guessing.

It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that the club has been coy with players rumoured to be suffering issues. From Bukayo Saka to Gabriel Martinelli, they’ve all been missed by the photographer but in the side the next game.

Want to keep up to