Gabriel has emerged as a key new injury doubt for Arsenal ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace this weekend.
Alongside fellow first-choice centre-back William Saliba, the Brazilian is a vital figure in the heart of a miserly Gunners defence that have conceded just three goals in 12 matches across all competitions so far this season.
Gabriel started for Arsenal as usual in Tuesday night’s 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, heading in the opening goal from Declan Rice‘s smart free-kick in the second half before later being replaced by summer signing Cristian Mosquera just under 20 minutes from time.
Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that substitution was injury-related, with Gabriel - who was seen stretching his thigh before going off against Atletico - having been unable to train ahead of Sunday’s visit of London rivals Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
“Obviously, Big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue and he hasn't been able to train yet,” the Arsenal boss said on Friday. “So, let's see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he is available or not for the weekend.”
Arsenal remain without influential captain Martin Odegaard, who might not return until after the November international break after damaging the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the win over West Ham earlier this month, having only recently shaken off a recurring shoulder problem.
Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz also remain sidelined with their own knee injuries along with long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus, though Arteta revealed a positive update on the quartet as they continue to step up their recoveries.
“They are all progressing really well,” he said. “They have all started to do certain activities.
“They are all super willing to be available as quick as possible, but at the moment none of them are yet in contention in the next week or so.”
