Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has somewhat of a headache at the back going into the first Premier League game of the season.
The Gunners visit newly promoted London rivals Fulham today in the season curtain-raiser but will be without David Luiz after the Brazilian suffered a neck spasm.
Fellow defenders Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis will all also be absent meaning Gabriel is straight in for his debut from the off.
Speaking ahead of the opener, Arteta said: "We have a few issues around the squad, that is something normal we have to adapt. It is not ideal to start the season with key players out. We have enough, really good players and tomorrow we will have a plan to win our first game."
Summer signing Willian also makes his debut following his exit from Chelsea, with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the rest of the front three.
The Arsenal boss said: "They have trained really well, adapted quickly. It is a big challenge, both players are in different phases of their careers."
Confirmed team news
Fulham XI: Rodak, Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan, Reed, Cairney, Kebano, Onomah, Ivan Cavaleiro, Kamara
Subs: Areola, Mitrovic, Knockaert, Reid, Le Marchand, Christie, Zambo
Arsenal XI: Leno, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Bellerin, Elneny, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Subs: Saka, Ceballos, Pepe, Willock, Nketiah, Kolasinac, Macey
