Injury worries: Mikel Arteta could be without Gabriel as Arsenal face Crystal Palace
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings
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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 having been unable to train ahead of Sunday’s visit of London rivals Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
“Big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue. He hasn’t been able to train yet,” the Arsenal boss said on Friday.
More to follow