See-What-happened between Gabriel and Thomas Partey in Arsenal training ahead of Newcastle clash

 

Latest Arsenal news takes a behind the scenes look at Friday's training session ahead of the game against Newcastle United where Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey could feature

Gabriel Magalhaes had plenty of reasons to be cheerful in Arsenal training on Friday.

Firstly, the summer signing from Lille was back amongst the group for the first time in a couple of weeks after missing the last three games because of Covid-19 related issues.

And now he could be in contention to reclaim his place at centre-back for Saturday evening's FA Cup tie at home to Newcastle United.

But even a recall to the starting XI may not be the highlight of Gabriel's weekend.

Ahead of the game at the Emirates Stadium the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers, and Willian were put through their paces at the club's London Colney training base.

And there was a moment between Gabriel and Thomas Partey that won't soon be forgotten.

As spotted in a behind the scenes of Arsenal's training session video uploaded to YouTube, at around the 3.00-minute mark, a rondo task is taking place.

The ball eventually comes to Gabriel and on the half-volley, he manages to guide the ball through the legs of Partey to a massive ovation from some of the Gunners squad.

Shkodran Mustafi turns away in disbelief, Nicolas Pepe screams in joy, while Lacazette and Aubameyang laugh and appear to sing the 'Partey song'.

Whilst this is happening, the Ghana international is trying to play down the fact that he was nutmegged.

Although, Gabriel was not having any of it as he raced off as if he'd scored a goal before dancing right in front of Partey.

In better news for Partey, he's in line to make his first appearance for Arsenal since limping out of the North London Derby defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

"Well, we’ve got an extra two training sessions. We will assess after that whether he’s completely fully ready to start or participate against Newcastle or if we’re gonna leave it another few days for the Palace game," manager Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

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But he’s been training really good. He’s comfortable. He’s not aware of the injury right now. He’s done more than what he did after the injury when he played against Spurs.

"So he’s in a good space, a good mood and you can see the player he is when he’s training."