Keown's Confident Prediction Despite Injury Concerns
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has delivered a surprising forecast ahead of this weekend's highly anticipated north London derby, expressing confidence that key defender Gabriel Magalhaes will make a miraculous recovery from injury.
The Gunners legend admitted to feeling concerned about his former club's prospects against their local rivals but believes they'll receive a significant boost with the unexpected return of their Brazilian centre-back.
Arsenal's Defensive Worries
Mikel Arteta's side have enjoyed an outstanding start to the new campaign but face potential disruption after Gabriel limped off during Brazil's international match against Senegal last weekend. The defender went down just before the hour mark on Saturday afternoon and required treatment before being substituted.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the severity of the situation in an official statement: 'Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia.'
Pressure Mounts on League Leaders
Arsenal's title credentials face a stern test this weekend after dropping two valuable points before the international break. The Gunners conceded a stoppage time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Sunderland, allowing Manchester City to capitalise by dismantling Liverpool.
With Pep Guardiola's men facing struggling Newcastle on Saturday evening, the pressure will be firmly on Arsenal to deliver when they kick off against Tottenham. Their lead at the top could be cut to just a single point by the time they face their local rivals.
Keown's Vote of Confidence
Despite the injury concerns, Keown remains optimistic about Gabriel's chances of featuring in the crucial encounter. Speaking to talkSPORT, the Arsenal legend stated: 'It's not ideal but I think Gabriel might make it and if he does I think Arsenal deserve that little bit of luck.'
Keown emphasised the importance of squad depth, adding: 'It's not about any one player this year and injuries, it's about the collective group. If someone else is injured Mosquera will have to come in and do a magnificent job because Gabriel and Saliba are the best partnership in Europe, never mind in the building.'
Spurs' Threat Under Frank
Keown also expressed concerns about Tottenham's impressive away form under manager Thomas Frank. 'What concerns me this weekend is Spurs' away form,' he admitted. 'Spurs at home it's like two different entities. At home it's like one win in five and I think they've won four out of five away from home.'
The former England defender analysed Frank's tactical approach: 'Their manager is very good at slowing things down, just quietening the crowd and the keeper just puts his foot on the ball. I've had a little look this week to see what they do away from home and they do it really well. Arsenal are going to have to go in and press high and look to dominate the game.'
As the north London derby approaches, all eyes will be on Gabriel's fitness and whether Keown's optimistic prediction proves accurate. The outcome could significantly impact the early Premier League title race and bragging rights in the capital.
