Arsenal have received a timely boost with the news that Gabriel could be fit and available for next week’s Champions League tie – just the ingredient they need at the back to try t0 overturn the first-leg 3-1 loss at home to Monaco.
The Brazilian is due back in training on Sunday or Monday and could be up for selection. The January signing had pushed his way into the starting lineup prior to his hamstring injury sustained against Queens Park Rangers, after some encouraging performances.
Arsenal host West Ham United this weekend before traveling to Monaco ahead of a Tuesday night’s tie, so the return is certainly timely, with Wenger needing to utilise his squad and add plenty of pace at the back to deal with the Ligue 1 sides counter attacking pace.
Elsewhere, Jack Wilshere is progressing well, but he has yet to return to training after use going a minor procedure on his ankle.
Wenger revealed via : “Chamberlain has a hamstring strain, the only thing we don’t know is how bad it is because usually the scans are only done 48 hours after the accident. That will be done today [Wednesday].
“Jack is progressing well, he is not back in training yet.
“Mathieu is training, he could be available for the squad on Saturday.
“Gabriel may be [available] next week, he should come back into training on Sunday or Monday.”
On whether the Monaco game will affect his team selection, Wenger added: “No. We were at a high level of fatigue because we played against Monaco, Everton, QPR, Manchester United, all very physical games. I will have to test medically, physically, how the players are on Friday, and I will make my decision then. The big priority is of course West Ham.”
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