Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that Brazilian defender Gabriel could be back from injury a little earlier than expected. Gabriel twisted his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Manchester City in the final week of pre-season.
With captain Per Mertesacker also injured, the Gunners’ have moved in the market for Valencia’s German defender Shokdran Mustafi. However, Gabriel’s injury is coming along well and he could be set to return slightly earlier than expected.
Wenger told reporters in his pre Watford press conference on Friday, “He’s progressing very well. He’s ahead of schedule. We said six to eight weeks and we think it could be six.” That being the case, Gabriel could return for Arsenal’s second Champions League group game against FC Basel on 28th September.
Gabriel will be looking to force his way back into the Brazil squad, having missed out on the Copa América squad this summer. Dunga called the ex-Villarreal defender into three of his squads but he is still awaiting his first cap. Time will tell if new manager Tite takes a shine to the Gunners stopper.
