Some Arsenal fans are concerned after Gabriel was called up to the Brazil squad.
Concerns rise
There was plenty of joy expressed among Arsenal fans on social media yesterday when Gabriel was called up for the first time by his country.
However, not every Gunners supporter was over the moon with the news.
Indeed, there are now real fears that Gabriel’s new international commitments could work out badly for Mikel Arteta.
The South American international schedule is famously demanding, and the travel involved means that players can often return tired.
The likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United have already suffered this season after having players called up to represent Brazil and Argentina.
Plenty of worried Arsenal fans are now just hopeful that Gabriel will return in one piece to play in their next game against Liverpool in two weekends’ time.
Growing importance
If anything was to happen to Gabriel on international duty it would be a major blow for Arsenal.
There is no doubting that he deserves his call-up, as the £23 million central defender (BBC Sport) has been excellent this season.
But Arteta will be desperate not to break up his partnership with Ben White.
Arsenal have looked very solid at the back in recent weeks, which has helped them go unbeaten for 10 games.
And with Liverpool next up for the Gunners, Arsenal will be desperate to name their first choice back-four for that contest.
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