Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel Magalhaes will be out “some weeks” after a thigh injury, while William Saliba is set for a Monday test following a training knock.

Mikel Arteta addressed the media after Arsenal’s 1‑1 draw at Chelsea, confirming that centre‑back Gabriel Magalhaes remains sidelined. The Brazilian defender picked up a thigh muscle injury on international duty, and Arteta bluntly said there are still “some weeks” to go before he can return to the pitch.

William Saliba, meanwhile, missed the game due to a knock from Saturday’s training session. Arteta revealed the 24‑year‑old will undergo a test on Monday to gauge the extent of the discomfort, noting, “I think [Wilo] has another test tomorrow to see the extent of that feeling, then we’ll know more.”

The match at Stamford Bridge was a nervy affair for Arsenal, especially with a new defensive pairing of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie. Both were caught out at times, gifting possession, yet the Gunners avoided an early goal despite Chelsea’s pressure.

Arsenal enjoyed a numerical advantage for almost an hour after Moisés Caicedo’s red card, but failed to convert. Trevoh Chalobah’s header from a corner gave Chelsea the lead before Mikel Merino equalised for Arsenal, who kept the five‑point lead at the top of the table.

Arsenal now turn to their next test, hosting Brentford at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

Arteta’s side remains in a strong position but will need to manage the injury setbacks carefully as they chase the title. The manager emphasised the need for patience, keeping the focus on the upcoming fixtures rather than the long‑term absences.