David Luiz huge Arsenal doubt for Fulham clash with neck injury… so Arteta pairs Saliba and Gabriel in training
ARSENAL fans are dreaming of a Gabriel Magalhaes debut in their Premier League season opener after David Luiz picked up an injury.
The £27million arrival from Lille was pictured training alongside William Saliba in what could become Mikel Arteta's first-choice partnership.
After aggravating the knock in training, there are fears Luiz could miss up to six weeks of action.
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However, Arteta is said to be weighing up risking the 33-year-old at Craven Cottage given his lack of options in defence.
Arsenal head to Fulham on Saturday with Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari out of action.
Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney completed the Gunners' three-man defence, alongside Luiz, at Wembley.
Originally set to be loaned out to Newcastle, Holding's exit could be delayed or even binned altogether as Arteta waits on his absent stars.
Saliba and Gabriel are thought to be fit but neither have played since March.
At 19, Saliba may not be considered quite ready for a Premier League debut after returning from a loan spell at Saint-Etienne.
But the French youngster could form a long-term partnership with Gabriel, 22, when Arteta is ready to rely on his new assets.
Amid interest from Napoli and Chelsea, the Brazilian is said to have signed for Arsenal because of their manager.
The player’s agent Guilherme Miranda explained: “Gabriel chose them over more lucrative offers because Edu convinced us of the project. It’s 100 per cent because of Edu and Arteta.”