Gabriel to bring Arsenal back against Everton

Centre-back Gabriel will return to Arsenal tomorrow for their home clash with Everton.

The Brazil international has missed the Gunners’ last three games after aggravating a hamstring injury in the win at West Ham on November 30.

He is a commanding presence in both squads and while Arsenal have won two games in his absence, his availability is a boost for Arteta ahead of a demanding December schedule.

Riccardo Calafiori remains out, meaning Myles Lewis-Skelly could continue at left-back after impressing in the midweek Champions League win over Monaco.

Getting ready to come back on Saturday 💪 pic.twitter.com/zMnQ4HzGqm

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 13, 2024

Arteta said of the 18-year-old: “You always have a chance. No matter the experience or the age. He was surrounded by players with a lot of experience. We thought he could help the team win the game and he certainly did.”

Arsenal go into tomorrow’s game in third place in the Premier League, six points off leaders Liverpool, with Arteta facing a club he represented as a player.

Everton have had another difficult season, although reports this morning suggested that their potential new owners, the Friedkin Group, had been given the go-ahead by the Premier League to complete their long-awaited takeover .

Arteta maintains a great affection for Everton, saying: “The human quality and then the deep feeling he has for the club. The club has gone through very different phases in its history, but I love the way they come together and they face the storms.”

The Toffees come into the clash on the back of a 10-day break after last weekend’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool was postponed due to Storm Darragh.

“This is the context,” added Arteta. “We are very used to playing every three days. The boys are very excited and eager and understand that we will have to be very good to beat them.”