Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is sweating over the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of Sunday's Premier League visit to Newcastle United.
The Brazilian defender dropped to the turf a few times in Tuesday's win over Chelsea before ultimately being withdrawn, reportedly due to an ankle concern.
Arteta is already sure to be without long-term knee victims Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while William Saliba's back problem is not expected to heal in time for Sunday's game either.
The Gunners boss is therefore at risk of working without his two first-choice centre-backs, but it has been reported that Gabriel was able to speak to the media as normal after Tuesday's win, and Arsenal are hopeful that he will be passed fit.
The South American could therefore continue alongside Jakub Kiwior, who put in an assured display during his full Premier League debut in midweek, as Rob Holding remains consigned to the bench.
Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aaron Ramsdale may complete an unchanged rearguard, while Granit Xhaka is a midfield shoo-in, but who partners the Swiss is up for debate.
Thomas Partey was dropped for the win over Chelsea following a spate of poor displays, allowing Jorginho to strut his stuff against his old club, but Arteta may feel that the period of rest and recuperation has done Partey the world of good, and a recall could be in order for the more physical Ghanaian.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus will continue up top as per, but Gabriel Martinelli will expect to come straight back in for Leandro Trossard, in spite of the Belgian's five away assists for Arsenal this term.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Ben Knapton
