Arsenal receive injury boost as Gabriel Magalhaes returns to training ahead of clash with Everton

Arsenal have received a fitness boost, with Gabriel Magalhaes returning to training ahead of Saturday's match at home to Everton.

The centre-back has not played since November 30 but is expected to be available against the Toffees.

Arteta's hand in the transfer market could be forced with Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu all currently sidelined.

Jurrien Timber was only fit enough for the bench in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League.

Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, made a full Champions League debut at the Emirates and is on the verge of securing his first Premier League start.

Arteta added: “He certainly deserves to be considered for selection because he performed and competed very well. Showing at his age that maturity and personality are strange. Off the field it's the same.

'He is someone who constantly surprises all employees with the kind of questions he can ask. That tells you that Myles is a very smart kid.

“He was surrounded by very experienced players, very experienced players. We believed that this was the right context in which he could help the team win the match and he certainly did that.”

Arteta has insisted Arsenal's search for a new sporting director will have no impact on their transfer activities and claimed Edu's permanent successor could come from within the club.

Arsenal are looking for a replacement for Edu following the Brazilian's sudden resignation last month.

Jason Ayto – who has been at Arsenal for ten years, initially as a scout before working his way up to become Edu's right-hand man – has taken up the role on an interim basis.

But Dan Ashworth's shock departure from Manchester United has seen him linked with a move to North London ahead of the opening of the transfer window in just 19 days' time.

Ahead of his side's Premier League match against Everton at the Emirates on Saturday, Arteta was asked whether the lack of a permanent sporting director could pose a problem for the club's transfer dealings.

“We have one,” he replied. 'Jason Ayto is our interim sporting director. He currently has the full capacity and support of the football club. He is doing very well with his team. The process is open, as you know. And the club, with the support of all of us, will decide who is the best person to take us forward.

'I never expect January to be super busy, but we have to see where we are. There may also be possibilities. Hopefully the availability of the team will be better in a few weeks. We have to wait and see.'

Asked if he wanted the situation resolved before the end of the season, Arteta added: “Yes, but if we are convinced that we have the right person who can manage the right team, who are doing a great job at the moment.

“(It has to be) someone who is going to take us to the next level. Maybe we have it internally. In terms of timing, it's hard to understand. I don't manage the process, so it's more up to the club to respond.”

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