Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel has returned to Brazil for treatment of a thigh injury, that is expected to keep him out for at least three weeks. Gabriel had started three consecutive Premier League matches, but he succumbed to a thigh injury in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Bournemouth last week.
Per Mertesacker came back in his place for the 2-1 win over Leicester, while Gabriel was pictured receiving treatment at his old club Vitoria, in Salvador. The ex-Villarreal man said, “I had a good run in the side and now I am injured.
“I’m happy to go back (to Vitoria) and see old friends, this club has always welcomed me and given me strength, I chose to come to Vitoria for treatment by professionals that I already know. I was injured after Arsenal’s win (v Bournemouth) and I hope to be fit for the Brazilian national team.”
Brazil’s next match is a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on 25th March, with a trip to Paraguay four days later. Dunga announces his squad for these qualifiers in a fortnight’s time, for which Gabriel will hope to be involved.
