Will Gabriel be fit to face Fulham this weekend? Arsenal defender in race to return from injury after missing open training

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is in a race against time to make a comeback against Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

The Brazilian has been in great form for the Gunners this season but missed the 2-0 win. manchester united through injury.

It was the first time in over a year that Gabriel did not feature in a Premier League match for Mikel Arteta.

Their return will be vitally important to their Premier League title chances after suffering a costly defeat against Fulham last quarter.

The Cottagers recorded a 2-1 victory over their London rivals on New Year's Eve 2023, which ultimately proved costly for ArsenalThe bid for the title.

Will Gabriel be able to return this weekend?

The 26-year-old will give Arsenal a huge boost by being declared fit to start against Fulham this weekend.

The Brazilian international trained indoors on Friday with the Italian defender Ricardo Calafiori who also missed the victory over United.

However, Arteta has adopted similar tactics in the past. around wounded stars to Avoid handing out news leaks from the rival team.

Speaking on Friday, the Spaniard tried to remain coy saying: “We have to (keep an eye on) some players.

“We have another training session tomorrow, so we'll see how everyone is for Sunday.

“Without seeing tomorrow's session it is very difficult to say. Calafiori too. It depends on how they evolve in the coming days.”

Should Gabriel be sidelined ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Monaco next week, Jakub Kiwior I could start again.

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Polish star received praise from Arteta after teaming up William Saliba in the center, with ben white He was also injured.

Another option for Arsenal would be for Jurrien Timber to move to the heart of the defense and Thomas Partey to play right back.

Following the victory over Man United, Arteta said: “I don't know (when Gabriel will return). We'll have to see in the next few days.

“Gabi was taking a big risk by playing today because he felt something against West Ham.

“Sunday will be a possibility. With Ricci too, we'll see how we react.”

Gabriel has become a force in both boxes this season, having scored three goals in the Premier League and added another in the Champions League.

On Arsenal's status as 'kings of the corners', Arteta added: “We want to be the kings of everything. In set pieces, the best in the world.

“In high pressure, the best in the world. In attack in open spaces, the best in the world. We want to have the best atmosphere in the stadium and be the best in everything.

“Before it was about not scoring enough, defending softly, not having a mentality, not being physical enough and not challenging the best teams, with many years without winning away from home in important games.

“We want to be the best at everything. We want to have the best academy, the best individual development for the players. The best of the best. Recruit the best players and the best coaches. That is the goal.”