Central defender Gabriel is set to return for Arsenal in their home clash with Everton tomorrow.
The Brazil international has missed the Gunners’ last three games after aggravating a hamstring injury in the victory at West Ham on November 30.
He is a commanding presence in both boxes and, although Arsenal have won two of the games in his absence, his availability is a boost for Arteta ahead of a demanding December schedule.
Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined, meaning Myles Lewis-Skelly could continue at left-back after impressing in the midweek Champions League victory over Monaco.
Preparing to go again on Saturday 💪 pic.twitter.com/zMnQ4HzGqm
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 13, 2024
Arteta said of the 18-year-old: “You always take a chance. It doesn’t matter the experience or age. He was surrounded by very experienced players. We believed he could help the team to win the game and he certainly did that.”
Arsenal go into tomorrow’s game in third place in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool with Arteta coming up against a club he represented as a player.
Everton have had another tough season, although reports this morning suggested their prospective new owners the Friedkin Group had received Premier League approval to complete their long-awaited takeover.
Arteta retains huge affection for Everton, saying: “The human quality and then how deep the feeling is towards the club. The club has been through very different phases in its history, but I love the way they get all together and they face the storms.”
The Toffees come into the clash on the back of 10 days’ rest after the Merseyside derby against Liverpool last weekend was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
“That’s the context,” aded Arteta. “We are so used to playing every three days. The boys are really fired up and looking forward and understanding we’ll have to be really good to beat them.”