Gabriel returned to Brazil because he was ‘sad’

Gabriel has revealed that he returned to Brazil because he was “sad” at suffering an injury for Arsenal.

The 25-year-old centre-back, who could return against Manchester United on Sunday, injured his hamstring in the recent win at Bournemouth and has been on the sidelines since.

Gabriel has been forced to sit out the last three matches against Leicester, Hull and Barcelona, but the former Villarreal man is now “almost 100 per cent” and happy again at the prospect to renewing his partnership with Laurent Koscienly.

“I’m almost 100 per cent recovered,” Gabriel told the Evening Standard. “I’ve already started to do the strengthening work.

“I went to Brazil briefly to try and recover, and also to be close to my family as well. Now I’m back and working with the help of Arsenal’s medical team to come back.

“I’m very happy with the training sessions at the end of last week and hope to continue with this work to be able to be at the manager’s disposal soon.

“I had been playing well for four or five consecutive games, being praised by everyone, so this injury took me by surprise. It made me sad, that’s why I returned to Brazil.

“But now I want to recover as quickly as possible to be able to play with the team as soon as I can.”