Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel update before Arsenal clash

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Mikel Arteta has hinted that Gabriel Magalhaes could make his return to Arsenal’s squad for their next game, in comments reported by Football London.

The 23-year-old has not played since the Gunners’ Carabao Cup tie with Manchester City last month.

He initially missed the Chelsea win after being in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 (via London Evening Standard). And unfortunately, he himself tested positive shortly after.

Gabriel confirmed on Twitter last week that he had returned to training. And ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Arteta hinted that the summer signing could be involved.

“It’s better now, we expect him to be training with us and couple of days and we will make an assessment whether we can have him or not on Thursday,” he said, as reported by Football London.

It would be a boost for Arsenal to have Gabriel – who earns £50,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – back. But it must be noted that the Gunners have actually coped extremely well in his absence.

They have won their last four in all competitions. And they have conceded just one goal in that run, keeping three clean sheets.

Pablo Mari has been outstanding since coming into the side. And he has left Arteta with an extremely tough decision for when Gabriel is back to full fitness.

In an ideal world, he would be able to pick both defenders. But it does appear that both Mari and Gabriel are at their best on the left.

So it will be interesting to see if Arteta attempts to find a way to pair them moving forward. Gabriel was a rare shining light in the opening months of the season. And Mari has definitely stepped up in recent times.