Some good news on Arsenal’s injury problems for a change

Great News for Arsenal as Defender Set To Return! by AT

Ahead of the crucial trip to Old Trafford, Arsenal have received a massive injury boost as the Gunners centre-half Gabriel has confirmed his recovery from a hamstring problem, and the Brazilian may well be in line for a start against Manchester United on Sunday.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: “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.”

Now although it is unclear whether the defender will start at Old Trafford, his return to fitness is crucial for the Gunners going into the business end of the season. Make no mistake about it, the 25-year-old has replaced Mertesacker as Koscielny’s partner in central defence and it will certainly be good news for Wenger to have his first-choice pair fit and available.

For me, Gabriel brings a whole new dimension to the Arsenal team with his pace and physicality. With Mertesacker in the side, the team will have to be very cautious to play a high defensive line because as we saw against Chelsea, one precise through ball can take the big German out of the game. But with two pacey centre-halves, a more attacking approach is less prone to risk.

Personally, I really hope Gabriel starts against United. Arsenal’s defensive stats are much better when the Brazilian is involved and it is easy to see why considering the brilliant performances the former Villareal man has produced so far this season. Even if he isn’t quite ready for Sunday, we can be sure that his imminent return will boost the defence and also Arsenal’s title challenge.