Two important Arsenal players could miss the game against Fulham

Arsenal’s preparations for their upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham have taken a surprising turn, with Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori notably absent from outdoor training this morning. The absence of two key defensive players has raised concerns among fans, but reports from Sky Sports suggest that the pair were not sidelined entirely—they were training indoors. This development leaves their availability for the Fulham fixture in question.

Gabriel Magalhães has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense in recent seasons, earning widespread praise for his physicality, composure, and leadership at the back. The Brazilian center-back has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba, making Arsenal’s defense one of the most reliable in the league. His absence from outdoor training comes as a surprise, especially given the crucial nature of the upcoming fixture against Fulham, a side that has shown resilience and the ability to challenge stronger teams.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Gabriel of Arsenal speaks with teammate Riccardo Calafiori as they celebrate after the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on November 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Riccardo Calafiori, a 22-year-old Italian left-back, has quickly become a promising figure within Mikel Arteta’s squad. Signed to provide depth and versatility, Calafiori has impressed with his attacking prowess and defensive capabilities. While Oleksandr Zinchenko has often been first-choice option, Calafiori’s emergence has given Arteta valuable options in the left-back position. However, his potential absence could pose a selection dilemma, especially given Fulham’s threat down the flanks.

The timing of their indoor training is critical, as Arsenal looks to maintain their momentum in the Premier League. While indoor training can sometimes indicate recovery from minor knocks or tailored conditioning sessions, it also raises questions about their match fitness. If either player is deemed unfit for the Fulham game, Arteta may have to reshuffle his defensive lineup, potentially calling on Zinchenko,  Jakub Kiwior, or Tierney to fill the void.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: (L-R) Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Fulham, currently a mid-table side, poses a unique challenge. Under Marco Silva’s guidance, they’ve proven to be an organized and disciplined team capable of causing upsets.Fulham could exploit any vulnerabilities in Arsenal’s backline, making the potential absence of Gabriel and Calafiori even more concerning.

Despite this setback, Arsenal remains well-equipped to handle adversity. Mikel Arteta has emphasized squad depth and adaptability as key components of the team’s success. The Gunners have shown resilience this season, with a strong bench and players ready to step up when called upon. However, Gabriel’s aerial dominance and Calafiori’s dynamism will undoubtedly be missed if they are unavailable.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Thomas Partey of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel and Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

As of now, Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on the duo’s fitness. Whether their indoor training was precautionary or indicative of deeper issues remains unclear. One thing is certain: Arteta will need to make strategic adjustments to ensure Arsenal maintains their defensive solidity against a Fulham side eager to capitalize on any weaknesses.

The match against Fulham is pivotal in Arsenal’s push to reclaim their position among the Premier League’s elite. While the potential absence of Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori is a concern, Arsenal’s depth and tactical flexibility could prove decisive. Fans will hope for positive news regarding the defensive duo as the countdown to kick-off continues.