Mikel Arteta handed major injury boost by Arsenal star ahead of crucial Man Utd clash
GABRIEL hinted he WILL be fit to face Manchester United on Wednesday — despite an injury concern.
The Arsenal defender was subbed at half-time during Saturday night’s 5-2 victory at West Ham.
That was due to a muscular injury picked up in Tuesday’s away win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
Gabriel played through the pain at London Stadium and even bagged Arsenal’s opener.
But after being clattered by Lukasz Fabianski for the penalty call that led to the Gunners’ fifth goal, boss Mikel Arteta was taking no risks and hooked him at the break.
The Brazilian posted on Instagram: “Three points and we continue fighting together! Thanks for your support Gunners. See you on Wednesday!”
Centre-back Gabriel, 26, has started all Arsenal’s Prem games this term, scoring three goals, and they will hope he is ready to host United.
Mikel Merino (knee) and Thomas Partey (muscular) are also racing to be fit.
Arteta has had to deal with injuries to several defensive players this season, with Ben White confirmed to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have all missed multiple matches too.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Arsenal ratings vs West Ham
WEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.
The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.
Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.
A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.
The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.
Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.
While left-back Kieran Tierney has been missing since the summer, though returned to training last week so could feature soon.
Captain Martin Odegaard also missed 12 matches but Arsenal have returned to form since he returned with 14 goals in five games.