Massive Injury Boost – Key Defender in Starting XI, Mertesacker Dropped

Arsenal will be facing Manchester United in yet another Premier League clash as both teams work hard to reclaim their glory in the League – Arsenal are looking forward to move top of the table as Manchester United struggle for a spot in the top four.

Ahead of the Sunday’s clash, Arsenal have been handed a big boost after manager Arsene Wenger revealed the latest team news on injury and confirmed that Gabriel Paulista will be available for selection and should pair Koscielny in starting XI.

Arsenal, who will be heading into the game after a 3-0 win over United in 4th October and the disappointing 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night, are already dealing with relatively few injury problems, with Santi Carzola, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosisky remain as the long-term absentees.

Speaking on Gabriel’s return to fitness, Wenger said: “He is coming back into the squad tomorrow. We will see how he responds to that but the signs are positive. He might be available [to start] on Sunday.”

The Brazilian defender has been out injured with a minor hamstring problems in recent weeks but is now closing in on a return action.

The Frenchman went ahead to comment about Chamberlin’s injury status and confirmed that he will be having his second scan on the suspected knee injury he picked up on Tuesday night against Barcelona.

“[Wilshere] is not back in full training yet. Everyone else is the same as before, so there’s no Rosicky, Cazorla, Wilshere,” he continued.

Speaking about his quick return to fitness, Gabriel admitted that it was frustrating to be sidelined in the middle of his sides strong campaign.

“I’m almost 100 percent recovered,” the defender said.

“I’ve already started to do the strengthening work. I went to Brazil briefly to try and recover, and also to be close to my family as well. Now I’m back and working with the help of Arsenal’s medical team to come back.

“I’m very happy with the training sessions at the end of last week and hope to continue with this work to be able to be at the manager’s disposal soon.

“I had been playing well for four or five consecutive games, being praised by everyone, so this injury took me by surprise. It made me sad, that’s why I returned to Brazil. But now I want to recover as quickly as possible to be able to play with the team as soon as I can.”
This is a huge boost for Arsenal chances as Per Mertesacker was involved in both conceded goals against Barcelona.