Gabriel says he’s close to full fitness after missing Arsenal’s last three games with a hamstring injury.
The centre-back picked up the problem in the 2-0 win at Bournemouth on 7 February and was allowed to return to Brazil where he spent a few days undergoing rehab at former club Esporte Clube Vitória.
Speaking to the Evening Standard the 25-year-old explained the reason for his whistlestop return home.
“I’m almost 100 per cent recovered. I’ve already started to do the strengthening work.
“I went to Brazil briefly to try and recover, and also to be close to my family as well. Now I’m back and working with the help of Arsenal’s medical team to come back.
“I’m very happy with the training sessions at the end of last week and hope to continue with this work to be able to be at the manager’s disposal soon.
“I had been playing well for four or five consecutive games, being praised by everyone, so this injury took me by surprise. It made me sad, that’s why I returned to Brazil.
“But now I want to recover as quickly as possible to be able to play with the team as soon as I can.”
Arsene Wenger will likely provide a further update on Gabriel’s fitness in the next 24 hours as his side prepare for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United. If he is fit, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Brazilian get a run out at Old Trafford.
Per or Gab
I am still not sure..
Both quality players. Hard to choose! Per’s decision making and height + Gaby’s pace and strength.. If only we could combine them in some way.. 🙂
Although frankly Per’s decision making has been quite suspect lately
Not sure why the down votes. Despite playing well in the first half vs Barca he had a big part in both their goals. Those were purely bad decisions. Against Chelsea as well.
In an ideal world, neither. Going back to real life, though, Wenger seemed to favour a Gabriel/Koscielny partnership for Leicester and Barcelona, too bad it didn’t work out. Most probably, Per is going to be next season’s Arteta.
I think is time for Gab to get run of games, and play the rest of the games and bond with Kos as I think next season Gab – Kos should be first choices CB.
As fans, we have to realise that injuries are just part of life . Oh life. Oh life. Oh life. Do do do do, life. Oh life, Oh liiiiiiife.
Oh fuck it was Des’ree, wasn’t it? Gah.
Looks like dreams can’t come true after all
Different Gabriel
Maybe “In Your Eyes”
I fancy a piece of toast for some reason…
Gabriel should come back straight into the team, Iam tired of seeing Per in our backline
maybe you should take a rest.
Arsene must go all out for the league and win it. The momentum and the feel-good factor would give him a great impetus to make the team stronger with a shot at CL in mind. Not dodgy signings but breaking the bank – if necessary – to get guys that will improve the first team just like Ozil and Alexis in the last 3 years. Arteta, Flamini, Rosicky and may be Campbell are on their way out. Replace these guys with quality, move Chambers officially to FB (I don’t think Jenkinson will make it here), and sign another CB –… Read more »
Well said, Manny, on most fronts. I would ship out either of Theo and Ox instead and retain Joel. He has flair and keeps possession well; plus works hard defensively. Giroud has done well and I am a fan, but for the next level, we do need a sure-footed, composed, skillful striker. We should be good, afterwards.
You look at the squad and have to say we have better depth and quality than in previous years but too many injury prone players:
Gk – chec and ospina
Rb – belarin and chambers
Cb – mert, Kos, gabby and chambers
Lb – nacho and Gibbs
Mid – le coq, arteta and flamini
Mid – santi, Wilshire and rosicky
Mid – ozil, Ramsey and iwobi
Left wing/striker – Sanchez
Right wing/striker – ox, Theo and Campbell
Striker – giroud and wellbeck
You can see where the issues lie: Will ospina want to play second fiddle for another season? Debuchy will need replacing!!! Wilshire, rosicky, Theo and ox are injury prone!!! We have an overload of relative mediocrity on the right hand side of attack and no real cover for Sanchez!!! I know flamini and rosicky will be going but I would also include Theo in that list – he is not bad just not really living up to his potential. I think both ox and Wilshire are luxury options that will have to be let go if they don’t come good… Read more »
Agree on Walcott but Ox can be given more time. Giroud will be 30 next season anyway so he is not the future.
I wish somebody would send me to Brazil whenever I was unhappy…
When you find out more about brazil you will change your minnd
Unless Thomas Cook put you up in a favela I’m sure it wouldn’t be too bad.
And as long as you bring some insect repellent with you.
Yeah we only see the beach, sun and samba from the outside world, go there and you’ll quickly encounter the grim side of life in Brazil.
I have been to Rio twice mate. Highly recommended. Every city has cap places. Leeds has Beeston, Paris has chateau rouge London has areas around White Hart Lane.
The last part of your comment earns you an upvote.
Foreigngooner, it isn’t just anti Spuds banter – that area is a complete shit-hole.
The Council is bending over backwards to allow their planning proposal to go through so that someone will regenerate the dump that is Northumberland Park.
Come back soon Gabs! We’re going to need you in these congested games coming up. He’s shown some good form and would be good to see him get some minutes under his belt. Be good to see Elnany come in soon as well.
There’s an article on Pires in Le Monde in which he announces his retirement and says he will come back to Arsenal.