Arsenal fans could see Gabriel return to action as the Gunners gear up to face Everton on Saturday in a crucial Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian defender has been sidelined for three matches due to a muscular injury but participated in training on Friday, hinting at a potential comeback.
Manager Mikel Arteta, while optimistic, stopped short of confirming Gabriel’s inclusion, stating:
“We’ll monitor his condition and make a decision tomorrow.”
On the other hand, Riccardo Calafiori remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a groin injury. Like Gabriel, Calafiori has missed the last three games, but the medical staff is closely monitoring his progress. Arteta noted that Calafiori is “not fully ready yet” but nearing a return.
Injuries have left Arsenal’s defense stretched thin, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu also unavailable. As a result, 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly could get another start at left-back, while Jurrien Timber is expected to slot in at right-back after returning to action midweek against Monaco.
These adjustments could prompt Thomas Partey’s return to midfield, possibly at the expense of Mikel Merino. Up front, Kai Havertz is tipped to lead the line, stepping in for Gabriel Jesus, with Leandro Trossard replacing Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defense: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfield: Odegaard, Partey, Rice
- Attack: Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Key Information:
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM GMT, Saturday, December 14, 2024
- Venue: Emirates Stadium
- Referee: Craig Pawson
Injury List:
- Riccardo Calafiori (groin)
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (muscle)
- Ben White (knee)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)
