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Arsenal have been sweating over the fitness of Gabriel ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. Gabriel was forced off in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Mikel Arteta said on Friday that he was unsure if the Brazilian centre-back will be able to play. “Obviously, Big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue and he hasn’t been able to train yet,” said Arteta. “So, let’s see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he is available or not for the weekend.” Arteta also faces a selection dilemma on the left flank against Palace. He made two changes against Atletico, with Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis-Skelly both coming into the team. The pair performed well, with Lewis-Skelly setting up Martinelli for Arsenal’s second goal in a 14-minute second-half blitz at the Emirates Stadium. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori could both come back in against Palace, though, after starting the 1-0 victory at Fulham last weekend. Calafiori has started all eight of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far this season, excelling at left-back. Tuesday was the first time that Trossard had been left on the bench since last month after starting the previous four games in a row. Arteta is unlikely to make many more changes, given that Arsenal face Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. That clash with the Seagulls presents Arteta with the option to heavily rotate his side, as he did in the last round at Port Vale. Arsenal have made an excellent start to the Premier League season, losing just once. David Raya will continue in goal against Palace, while Jurrien Timber is expected to start at right-back. William Saliba will play in the heart of defence and could be partnered by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera if Gabriel is not fit. Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi are the likely midfield trio in the absence of injured captain Martin Odegaard. In attack, Bukayo Saka should skipper the side and Viktor Gyokeres will want to build on his two goals against Atletico. Noni Madueke remains sidelined, along with Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, though Arteta said all four are making impressive progress. Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard Doubt: Gabriel Injured: Havertz, Madueke, Jesus, Odegaard (all knee) Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday October 26, 2025 Venue: Emirates Stadium, London How to watch: Sky Sports
