Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may have been handed a timely injury boost, with one of his most important players taking part in training on Monday.
Gunners struggling injury-wise heading into season-defining week
The Gunners came under fire after withdrawing 11 players from international duty, but Arteta has since insisted there was no foul play, saying: “We have a very good relationship and communication with most national teams, and certainly with (England coach) Thomas Tuchel as well.
“We have always been very supportive. And when it comes to clarifying each player’s medical condition, we are always honest, clear medical decisions have been made, and it was clear what the final decision was.”
Following the international break, Arteta's side headed to St. Mary's to take on Southampton in the FA Cup, and they were on the receiving end of a shock 2-1 defeat, with the hosts running out 2-1 winners.
The manager was unable to call upon a number of important players, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice missing out, while Gabriel was withdrawn with just under 20 minutes left to play due to an injury.
After the game, Arteta made it clear he wasn't too sure about the extent of the Brazilian's issue, saying: “I don't know, I think he felt something - I don't know exactly what it is. We're going to have to assess him - but obviously when a player is asking to be substituted, it's never good news.”
Update emerges on Gabriel's fitness ahead of Sporting CP clash
However, there has since been a more promising update on Gabriel's fitness, ahead of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP on Tuesday night.
As reported by The Standard, the centre-back was spotted in training on Monday morning, and could play against the Portuguese side in the crucial Champions League clash, which will be welcome news for Arteta, who singled him out for high praise earlier this season.
Gabriel-Arsenal
The Spaniard said: "If you ask me what I want from my centre-back, I want somebody who dominates both boxes and masters that. Gabriel can do that.
"He defends like a world-class defender, and he attacks like a world-class attacker. When you look at his presence, the way he leads the team, the way he talks to people, his body language, there’s a lot to like. It’s no coincidence that he has evolved into one of the best centre-backs in the world."
The 28-year-old missed a large chunk of the campaign due to a hamstring injury, but he has been a key player whenever available, making 39 appearances in all competitions, during which time he's chipped in with a very impressive four goals and five assists.
Saka, on the other hand, was absent from training, which suggests the England international may not be as close to a return.