Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on two key defenders ahead of Arsenal’s second pre-season match on their tour of Asia.The Gunners opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday and are set to continue their preparations with a match against Newcastle United at the National Stadium on Sunday, 27th July. Several first-team regulars featured in the opener, including new arrivals Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.However, a number of players were notably absent. Speaking ahead of the Newcastle clash, Arteta gave fitness updates on Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber.Arteta: “They’re close to returning”Both Gabriel and Timber missed the end of last season through injury and were not involved against Milan, nor did they take part in Friday’s open training session at the Singapore National Stadium. Arteta addressed their situations in his pre-match press conference.“Gabi got a little niggle in training and we didn’t want to take any risk,” he told the media. “Hopefully in the next week or so he’s going to be able to train and play again.“And with Jurrien, he’s getting very close. He’s almost hit every point that we needed after the surgery and the period of rehab that he needed. And I think in the next few days he’s going to start doing it again.”Jurrien Timber (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Defensive duo key to Arsenal’s plansArteta will be hoping to reintegrate both players swiftly to ensure they are fully involved in the build-up to the new campaign. Gabriel has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury against Fulham in early April, while Timber required surgery at the end of last season after continuing to play through injury.Both players are considered vital to Arsenal’s defensive structure, and their return will come as a major boost as the Gunners look to hit the ground running in 2025-26.Maybe we’ll see one or both return against Newcastle United on Sunday? The match gets underway at 7:30pm local time on Sunday, July 27th, live at the National Stadium. That means the contest will start at 12.30pm UK time.As an important aside, in a repeat of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, England will take on Spain, as the reigning European champions England look to get revenge on the side that pipped them to the global game’s showpiece two years ago. The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final takes place in Basel, kicking off at 5pm UK time, and whatever happens, we know that at least one Gunner will be lifting the silverware, with 7 gunners involved across the teams!Looks like Sunday’s shaping up to be a great day for football Gooners!COYG!Benjamin Kenneth__________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArteta Issues Injury Update on Arsenal Defensive Duo Ahead of Newcastle Clash26 July 2025, 20:15Fulham Boss Plays Coy Over Potential Move For Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson26 July 2025, 18:45Gyökeres to Arsenal: Bonus Payment Details Uncovered26 July 2025, 17:15The post Arteta Issues Injury Update on Arsenal Defensive Duo Ahead of Newcastle Clash appeared first on Just Arsenal News.