Centre-back Gabriel is set to return to Arsenal for their home match with Everton tomorrow.
The Brazilian international missed Arsenal's last three matches after suffering a hamstring injury during the win over West Ham on November 30.
He is a strong presence in both boxes, and although Arsenal have won two games in his absence, his availability represents a boost for Arteta ahead of a demanding December schedule.
Riccardo Calafiore remains sidelined, meaning Myles Lewis Skelly could continue at left-back after impressing in the midweek Champions League win over Monaco.
Getting ready to go again on Saturday đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/zMnQ4HZGqm
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 13, 2024
“You always take a chance,” Arteta said of the 18-year-old. Experience or age does not matter. He was surrounded by very experienced players. We thought he could help the team win the game and he certainly did that.”
Arsenal enters tomorrow's match in third place in the English Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, while Arteta faces the club he represents as a player.
Everton have had another difficult season, although reports this morning suggested that potential new owners, the Friedkin Group, have received Premier League approval to complete a long-awaited takeover.
Arteta retains great affection for Everton, saying: “The human quality and then the depth of feeling for the club. The club has gone through very different stages in its history, but I love the way they all come together and weather the storms.
The Toffees go into the game having had a 10-day break after last weekend's Merseyside derby against Liverpool was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
“This is the context,” Arteta added. “We are used to playing every three days. The players are really excited, looking forward and know that we have to be really good to beat them.
