adminLONDON. — Arsene Wenger is refusing to be rushed into the transfer market despite Arsenal’s centre-back crisis. The Gunners boss is expected to field Callum Chambers and Nacho Monreal at the heart of his back line for Sunday’s visit of Liverpool in their English Premier League opener, with Kieran Gibbs coming in at left-back.Gabriel suffered an ankle ligament injury in Sunday’s 3-2 friendly win over Manchester City and the north Londoners are already without skipper Per Mertesacker, who will be out until the New Year with a knee injury.
Frenchman Laurent Koscielny is back training but not match-fit after returning late following his exploits with his country at Euro 2016.
Gabriel has given a positive update on his damaged ankle, claiming the injury “is not a big problem”.
The centre-half was stretchered off towards the end of Sunday’s friendly against Mancheser City after his studs appeared to catch in the turf.
Arsene Wenger afterwards admitted he feared more “bad news” after losing Mertesacker to a long-term injury earlier in pre-season.
Arsenal are yet to issue an official statement on Gabriel’s condition, but in an Instagram post yesterday the Brazilian said: “Today I feel much better, is not a big problem. [I] thank my fans.”
Wenger said at the weekend the injury was “certainly an ankle sprain” and possibly worse, and there has been no word on whether Gabriel is likely to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.
His absence would leave Arsenal short of experience at centre-half given Laurent Koscielny has already been ruled out by his manager.
Wenger had been expected to go for Valencia’s German centre back Shkodran Mustafi, who would cost around £21m.
The Mirror reported yesterday that Wenger wants to land a new defender by Friday after Arsenal ‘s injury crisis deepened.
Boss Wenger is trying to push through a move for either Valencia’s Mustafi or Jonny Evans of West Brom before the season opener at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners feared Gabriel could join fellow centre-back Mertesacker on the long-term injured list after he was crocked in Sunday’s friendly against Manchester City.
Gabriel was reduced to tears and left the Ullevi Stadium with his left foot in a protective boot after suffering suspected ankle ligament damage in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over City.
Arsenal were assessing the Brazilian further yesterday as they try to discover the full extent of the injury.
He is certain to miss Liverpool’s visit to north London, and concerns he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines have increased the club’s already pressing need to bring in defensive reinforcements.
And if he is out of action long-term, the Gunners may try to sign BOTH their centre-back targets.
Mustafi (24) has a £42million buyout clause – but Valencia are understood to be willing to let him leave for as a little as £25m. — The Daily Star.
Online Reporter