Arsenal: Gabriel Paulista Starting To Cause Concern

Arsenal is used to injuries, but few have been as ill-timed as Gabriel Paulista as he seeks to establish himself as a regular in Arsenal’s starting XI.

When Arsenal signed Gabriel Paulista in January of 2015, he was the heir apparent to Per Mertesacker. His remarkably similar abilities to Laurent Koscielny give plenty of reason for excitement.

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After a few initially rough outings upon his arrival in North London, Gabriel started to settle in and fully grasp the implications of playing in the most competitive league in the world. In fact, he did so well that it took nearly no time for the clamor to start. That clamor of course being the ‘Gabriel for Per’ clamor.

Given that he was the heir apparent, it made sense that he was steadily challenging for Mertesacker’s role. Especially when considering the inconsistent form we have seen from Mertesacker this year. With the ever-present lack of pace, it made even more sense that Gabriel rose to the occasion to take the starting role at the beginning of the season. All this in the wake of Per Mertesacker getting ill from a stomach virus.

After several solid performances in which he proved that he has what it takes to sit next to Laurent Koscielny. Even when Mertesacker returned, it was Gabriel’s spot to lose.

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But he did, as he too, fell sick, re-opening the door he had just shut in Mertesacker’s face. Given Wenger’s inclination to stick with what is working, he allowed the BFG to hold the role on Gabriel’s return.

And so Arsenal ran (or slowly jogged) with Mertesacker for a healthy portion of the season, where Gabriel saw very little time, even in cameos. In no way did he deserve to disappear, but that’s how poor his luck was at the time.

Another opportunity arose. With Mertesacker’s red card against Chelsea came another fantastic opportunity to establish himself in the squad and he did just that. He again rose to the occasion to put Per on the back-burner.

Yet again though, right in the midst of his opportunity came another injury. This one has sent him back to Vitoria for treatment. 

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This is all starting to get a bit concerning. If Gabriel Paulista cannot stay healthy through brief opportunities in the starting XI, then how is he ever supposed to become a regular? Is Arsenal again doomed to ride the injury train in the hopes that Gabriel can one day get off?

Wenger has left the defense thin before but Arsenal needs to leave the pas tin the past and try to move forward. That includes having viable option at each and every position. Calum Chambers proved that he merits serious center back consideration, but he is, again, just one man.

Gabriel has proven that he is a vital piece of this defense. When he plays the full 90, Arsenal have surrendered just one goal. Yet if he takes on a Wilshere-like injury record, there is little we can expect from him.

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Arsenal are relying on Gabriel to stay healthy but the rambunctious Brazilian has been unable to accomplish that task. Welcome to Arsenal.