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Arsenal have been handed a huge fitness boost after Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both made their returns from injury in their 3-2 defeat to Villarreal.
The pair had missed the entirety of the Gunners' pre-season tour of Asia, despite travelling with the squad, as they recovered from the respective injuries they picked up toward the end of last season.
Their bounce-back from their fitness issues comes just over a week before Arsenal begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a tough trip to Manchester United and Mikel Arteta will be delighted to now have them available.
Arsenal handed huge Gabriel and Timber fitness boost
Gabriel had been absent since early April when he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in a 2-1 win over Fulham. Timber underwent ankle surgery in the final days of the campaign, prompting him to miss the final day victory at Southampton.
Fans eagerly anticipated the duo's return after it was confirm they had travelled with their teammates to Asia for the pre-season tour, but both failed to make an appearance as they continued their respective recoveries.
Both came off the bench to make their long-awaited comeback in Wednesday's loss to Villarreal and that will be a great sight to Arsenal supporters. They both looked slightly rusty, with Gabriel missing his spot kick in the penalty shootout, albeit due to a great save, but that is to be expected at this stage.
Most will just be glad to have them back and ready in time for the start of the Premier League season next week. Saturday's Emirates Cup tie against Athletic Bilbao should provide the pair another opportunity to get more minutes in the legs before hoping to play a part against Man United at Old Trafford.
The return comes at a good time, especially for Gabriel. Stand-in centre back Jakub Kiwior was sloppy against Villarreal and with his Gunners future currently up in the air, it would be beneficial for his Brazilian superior to come back into the side.
However, supporters will just be pleased to see the duo make their return. They both played a huge part in Arsenal's [occasional] success last season and they will look to have a similar impact throughout the coming campaign as their side hope to fend off their rivals to win the league title.