As Arsenal continue preparations for the new Premier League season, manager Mikel Arteta has given fans a much-needed update regarding three key players — Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber.
The trio missed out on Thursday’s 1-0 preseason defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, raising fresh concerns ahead of their league opener.
Omo, Arsenal fans don dey panic small o — but Arteta’s words have brought some calm to the chaos.
After the match, Arteta was asked directly whether the three defenders would be fit in time for their opening league game against Manchester United on August 17.
“I don’t think so. But if they evolve like they’ve been doing in the last few days, then yes — Gabriel, Calafiori and Timber should all be available,” he said confidently.
Let’s not forget — Timber and Gabriel have not featured in any of Arsenal’s tour games in Asia due to lingering injuries from last season.
If this recovery trend continues, we might just see a fully loaded Arsenal defence ready to face the Red Devils.
NPFL Club Kun Khalifat FC Appoints Mobi Oparaku as Technical Director
While European clubs are gearing up for high-stakes returns, Nigerian football is also making major moves.
Kun Khalifat FC, newly promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has announced former Super Eagles defender Mobi Oparaku as their new technical director.
Omo! Who saw that coming?
The Owerri-based club revealed that Oparaku’s appointment is part of their mission to hit the ground running in their debut NPFL season.
🎯 What Will Oparaku Do?
According to a club statement, the Olympic gold medallist will be in charge of:
- Developing and restructuring the coaching staff
- Introducing modern training techniques
- Overseeing both local and international competitive strategies
This move is already turning heads, as fans await to see how the experienced football figure will shake things up.
Kun Khalifat FC’s first major test will be an opening day clash against Enugu Rangers, kicking off the 2025–26 NPFL season on August 22.
Final Thoughts
Between Arteta’s injury updates and Kun Khalifat’s surprise appointment, omo this football season go hot!
One thing’s clear — whether it’s Premier League drama or NPFL surprises, football lovers are in for a wild ride this August!
