Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hopes Gabriel and Jurrien Timber can return to training next week.
The pair were both absent from Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday in Singapore.
Gabriel and Timber were also not part of an opening training session on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s game with Newcastle on Sunday.
Gabriel, who underwent hamstring surgery in April, is struggling with what Arteta described as a “niggle”.
Timber is still continuing his rehabilitation after having an operation in May to solve an ankle issue.
“Gabi, he felt a little niggle the other day in training and we didn’t want to any risk,” said Arteta.
“And hopefully in the next week or so he is going to be available to train and play again.
“And with Jurrien, he is getting very close. He’s almost ticked every box that we needed after the surgery, and the period of rehab that he needed.
“I think in the next few days he is going to start joining the team again.”
Arsenal added fresh defensive depth this week with the £13million signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.
On signing, the 21-year-old said he could play in a variety of positions across the back four, while Arteta described him as an ‘exciting’ prospect.
“He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential,” said Arteta. “He will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season.
“Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us.”
