Mikel Arteta says what Gabriel is doing while injured proves he's built different

Gabriel has been injured for far too long, as far as Arsenal fans are concerned. There is a hole in the Arsenal defense, and it cannot be filled by anyone other than Gabi himself.

Over the last few seasons, Gabriel has established himself as Arsenal's most important defender. That's not to take anything away from William Saliba, but Arsenal simply cannot live without Gabriel.

For the most part, Arsenal have done a better job of covering up Gabriel's absence. But it's clear as day how much more secure Arsenal is at the back with Gabi in the team. Certain goals against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Wolves would not have been conceded if the Brazilian was there.

Thankfully, though, Mikel Arteta had a positive Gabriel injury update to share.

Mikel Arteta provided a positive Gabriel injury update

Mikel Arteta praised Gabriel's ability to always work hard during the injury recovery process. He was not surprised by his hard work, but says that Arsenal fans should feel positive because of this.

In his own words, Mikel Arteta said: “He's pushing hard [to face Aston Villa], as he always does every time he's out. And he's evolving really well. He's doing pitch sessions. It's not too far we have to see in the last stages of that rehab how he but we are quite positive about it.”

Look, we all know that big Gabi has a monster mentality. It wouldn't take a genius to come on here and say that. However, to show that while he's injured and unavailable goes to show how hungry he is to succeed at Arsenal. He wants to be out there defending again.

Frankly, Arsenal could do with him in the team sooner rather than later. We completely understand that coaches need to be careful when reintroducing a player after a lengthy injury. If it were down to fans, though, Gabriel would be in the starting XI now.

Arsenal is pushing to have Gabriel back in the team for availability by the end of this month. Arsenal hosts Aston Villa on December 30, the final game of 2025 for the Gunners. This sure seems like a realistic return date for Gabriel.

Given how Arsenal defended in their last match against Aston Villa, Gabriel will have his eye on fixing some obvious flaws in the Gunners defense.