Arsenal’s Gabriel missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Watford last weekend through illness.
He was an unused substitute for the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Bayern Munich too. In his pre match press conference for Saturday’s home game with Everton, Arsene Wenger revealed that Gabriel will be fit to play his part, “Gabriel is back in full training,” the Arsenal manager confirming.
On Tuesday night, against Munich, Arsenal, resolved that they would be without the ball for sustained periods, defended in a deep block, which rather suited the qualities of German centre-half Per Mertesacker. Mertesacker’s organisational skills are very useful to the Gunners and with the team defending so deep, his lack of pace is in little danger of being exposed.
However, Arsene Wenger might consider that the challenge Everton pose might be better suited to Gabriel. Everton will look to play on the counter attack and, in Romelu Lukaku, they have a pacey, aggressive striker capable of piercing any defence. At Goodison Park last season, Mertesacker was given something of a torrid time by Lukaku in a 2-2 draw. In fairness, it was Per’s first match of the season on the back of a truncated pre-season following the World Cup. He was also partnered by the inexperienced Calum Chambers.
That said, when the sides met at the Emirates back in March, Brazilian centre-half Gabriel was preferred to Mertesacker. Largely in deference to the physical, rapid threat Lukaku offers. Gabriel’s aggressive style and fleet of foot were more than a match for the Belgian on that particular day, justifying Wenger’s decision. The Arsenal manager may remember this well with tomorrow in mind. Gabriel has impressed in his appearances so far this season and he will be well aware of the need for rotation too.
