Central defender Gabriel is set to return for Arsenal at home to Everton tomorrow.
The Brazil international has missed the Gunners’ last three games after aggravating his hamstring injury in the win at West Ham on November 30.
He is a commanding presence in both positions and, although Arsenal 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 win over Monaco.
Getting ready to go again on Saturday 💪 pic.twitter.com/zMnQ4HzGqm
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 13, 2024
Arteta said of the 18-year-old: “You always get a chance. Experience or age doesn’t matter. He was surrounded by very experienced players. We thought he could help the team win the game and he certainly did.”
Arsenal go into tomorrow’s game in third place in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool with Arteta facing a club he represented as a player.
Everton have had another difficult season, although reports this morning suggested that 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 for the club. The club has gone through very different phases in its history, but I like the way everyone has come together and weathered the storms.”
The Toffees come into the clash on the back of 10 days rest after last weekend’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
“That’s the context,” added Arteta. “We’re so used to playing every three days. The boys are really excited and looking forward and they understand that we’re going to have to be really good to beat them.”
