Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is in a race against time to return against Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.
The Brazilian has been in imperious form for the Gunners this season but missed the 2-0 win over Manchester United through injury.
Gabriel has scored three goals in 13 Premier League games
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Gabriel has scored three goals in 13 Premier League gamesCredit: Getty
It was the first time in over a year that Gabriel failed to feature in a Premier League game for Mikel Arteta.
His return will be of vital importance to their Premier League title chances, having suffered a costly defeat against Fulham last term.
The Cottagers secured a 2-1 victory over their London rivals on New Year's Eve 2023 that ultimately proved costly for Arsenal's title bid.
Will Gabriel be fit to return this weekend?
The 26-year-old is set to hand Arsenal a huge boost by being declared fit to start against Fulham this weekend.
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The Brazil international trained indoors on Friday with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori who also missed the win over United.
However, Arteta has adopted similar tactics in the past around injured stars to avoid handing rivals team news leaks.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Spaniard said: "I don't know [when he will be back]. We will have to see over the next few days.
"Gabi was a big risk to play today because he felt something against West Ham.
"Sunday he's going to be a possibility. With Ricci as well, let's see how we reacts."
Should Gabriel be sidelined ahead of a crunch Champions League clash with Monaco next week, Jakub Kiwior could start again.
Arteta is hopeful Gabriel and Calafiori can both return
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Arteta is hopeful Gabriel and Calafiori can both returnCredit: Getty
The Poland star was signed out for praise by Arteta after partnering William Saliba at centre-back, with Ben White also out injured.
Another option for Arsenal would be for Jurrien Timber to move over to the heart of the defence and Thomas Partey to play right-back.
"We want to have the right to win the games," he said. "If we perform the way we are performing right now, we are going to win a lot of games.
"But right now is about Fulham. We know the experience of last season. We have to prepare really well to earn the right to win there and continue to do that.
"The rest, we don't know."