Arsenal’s Gabriel set to miss Liverpool opener

Arsenal’s Brazilian centre half Gabriel Paulista is set to miss the opening matches of the season, after being stretchered off in the final minute of the Gunners’ 3-2 friendly win against Manchester City in Gothenburg on Sunday evening. Gabriel was Arsenal’s most senior available centre back, with Per Mertesacker injured and Laurent Koscielny not yet […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-08-08 22:13:00

Arsenal’s Brazilian centre half Gabriel Paulista is set to miss the opening matches of the season, after being stretchered off in the final minute of the Gunners’ 3-2 friendly win against Manchester City in Gothenburg on Sunday evening.

Gabriel was Arsenal’s most senior available centre back, with Per Mertesacker injured and Laurent Koscielny not yet back in training following his exertions for France at Euro 2016. The injury to Gabriel means Arsenal only have 20 year old Rob Holding, 21 year old Calum Chambers and 19 year old Kristian Beilik to call upon for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.

Gabriel went down in pain in stoppage time, having rolled on his ankle. He left the stadium on crutches and in a protective boot. The Brazilian will have a scan upon his return to London to identify the extent of the issue.

“We have not even made a diagnosis in the medical room with our doctors or physios yet. I can’t tell you more. He’s in pain. Let’s hope the pain is not a sign of bad news. The only thing we have to know now is how big the damage is with his ligament.

“I’ve never seen an intelligent accident, they always look stupid. We have to take that. He played the ball 100 per cent and I think he rolled his ankle, but I don’t know how it happened. It’s part of our game.

“Maybe he was a bit tired, I don’t know. Was his coordination a bit weaker, I don’t know. Was he locked in the grass with his studs. I have to speak to him. He’s just come out of a medical room and he’s not in a better state because he couldn’t even talk on the pitch.”

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