ARSENAL fans are dreaming of a Gabriel Magalhaes debut in their Premier League season opener after David Luiz picked up an injury.
The £27million arrival from Lille was pictured training alongside William Saliba in what could become Mikel Arteta’s first-choice partnership.
Gabriel (right) and William Saliba (centre, right) were paired up in training under Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The defensive duo could be in line for a debut on Saturday amid David Luiz’s doubtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And they could be deployed sooner than expected due to Luiz’s ongoing issue.
According to The Athletic, the centre-back suffered a neck injury in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool.
After aggravating the knock in training, there are fears Luiz could miss up to six weeks of action.
However, Arteta is said to be weighing up risking the 33-year-old at Craven Cottage given his lack of options in defence.
Arsenal head to Fulham on Saturday with Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari out of action.
Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney completed the Gunners’ three-man defence, alongside Luiz, at Wembley.
Originally set to be loaned out to Newcastle, Holding’s exit could be delayed or even binned altogether as Arteta waits on his absent stars.
Saliba and Gabriel are thought to be fit but neither have played since March.
Luiz is suffering from a neck injury that requires careful attention from the Arsenal physiosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
At 19, Saliba may not be considered quite ready for a Premier League debut after returning from a loan spell at Saint-Etienne.
But the French youngster could form a long-term partnership with Gabriel, 22, when Arteta is ready to rely on his new assets.
Amid interest from Napoli and Chelsea, the Brazilian is said to have signed for Arsenal because of their manager.
The player’s agent Guilherme Miranda explained: “Gabriel chose them over more lucrative offers because Edu convinced us of the project. It’s 100 per cent because of Edu and Arteta.”
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Gabriel Magalhaes says he is very happy to be joining Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
