Arsenal look set to be without Pablo Mari for a few games.
The Spanish centre-back missed Thursday night’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace with a calf injury.
Mari, a £14 million summer signing, has been an ever-present figure in Arsenal’s first XI in recent weeks and his return to the starting lineup also coincided with the Gunners stringing together a three-match winning streak in the Premier League.
But speaking to Arsenal’s official website, head coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he’s set for a stint on the sidelines.
Arteta said: “He had a calf injury in training [on Wednesday]. I think he will miss a few matches. He’s another one we will lose but we’ve got Gabi [Magalhaes] back after COVID, which is good news.”
It certainly is ‘good news’ for Arsenal to have Gabriel back.
He was sent off against Southampton for a couple of silly yellow cards last month but, for the most part, he has perhaps been one of the North Londoners’ best players this season.
That doesn’t say a whole lot about Arsenal on the whole but still, the Brazilian defender, £27 million summer signing, is in his first season in the Premier League and mistakes are inevitable.
In general, though, the 22-year-old has been superb and although Mari has been a big player these past few weeks, Gabriel’s return should compensate for his absence.
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