Gabriel will make Arsenal come back against Everton

Center back Gabriel is set to return for Arsenal in their home clash with Everton tomorrow.

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 major presence in both boxes and, although Arsenal have won two games in his absence, his availability is a boost for Arteta ahead of a demanding December schedule.

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

I’m getting ready to go again on Saturday 💪 pic.twitter.com/zMnQ4HzGqm

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 13, 2024

Arteta said of the 18-year-old: “You always take risks. Experience or age is not important. He was surrounded by very experienced players. We believed he could help the team win the game and he certainly did.”

Arsenal enter tomorrow’s game in third place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, and Arteta is up against the club he played for as a player.

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

Arteta still has a lot of affection for Everton, saying: “The human quality and then how deep the feelings are for the club. The club has gone through very different stages in its history, but I like the way they come together and weather the storms.”

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

“It’s the context,” added Arteta. “We are so used to playing every three days. The guys are really fired up and looking forward and they understand that we’re going to have to be really good to beat them.”