Soccer

Arsenal’s Gabriel facing six to eight weeks out with ankle injury

Arsène Wenger faces a dilemma in central defence for Sunday’s season opener against Liverpool.

Arsène Wenger says that Gabriel Paulista will be out for six to eight weeks with an ankle injury. Photograph: Getty Images
Arsène Wenger says that Gabriel Paulista will be out for six to eight weeks with an ankle injury. Photograph: Getty Images
David Hytner
Thu Aug 11 2016 - 01:02

Arsène Wenger says that Gabriel Paulista will be out for six to eight weeks with the ankle injury that he suffered in last Sunday's pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Sweden.

With Per Mertesacker out for four months with a knee problem and Laurent Koscielny not yet match fit after his involvement in France's run to the Euro 2016 final, Wenger faces a dilemma in central defence for Sunday's season opener at home to Liverpool.

The manager is expected to partner Calum Chambers with Nacho Monreal, and bring Kieran Gibbs in at left-back. The Gabriel set-back has intensified the pressure on Wenger to sign a new central defender.