Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he is ‘positive’ about the return of Gabriel to fitness.
The centre-back has not featured since sustaining an injury on duty with Brazil during November’s international break. However, he is nearing his return for Arsenal, having returned to the training pitch for the Premier League leaders.
This weekend’s clash with Everton is set to come too soon, though the Gunners are hopeful the influential defender can return over the festive period. Ben White will also miss out this weekend, but Arsenal are confident his issue is not ‘major’.
Arsenal injury news: White out, Gabriel improving, Havertz close
“He [White] is out, he is evolving well. It is not a major injury but it will keep him out for a few games I think,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“I don’t think it’s going to be [a major injury] and Ben is a really fast healer as well so there is hope we will have him in the next few games.
“He [Gabriel] is pushing hard as he does every time he is out. He is evolving really well. He is not too far, we have to see in the last days of the rehab how he progresses but we are quite positive about it.
“He [Kai Havertz’ is progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks. We are really positive that if everything continues like that in the next training sessions he is going to be with us soon.”
Read – Talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend
See more – 📈 Power Rankings: Arsenal edge up, Man City climb