Arsenal boosted by earlier than expected return of Gabriel from Brazil duty ahead of Real Madrid

Arsenal have faced some injury and fitness setbacks this week, with Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber both having to withdraw from international duty due to injury and illness, respectively.

However, Mikel Arteta has received positive news with Gabriel's early departure from Brazil's camp. The defender, who featured in Brazil's 2-1 victory over Colombia on Thursday, was shown a yellow card during the match, which means he will miss Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Tuesday due to suspension.

Rather than remain with the national team, Gabriel opted to head back to London, where he will join up with Arsenal's training sessions next week. His absence from the Argentina game eliminates any risk of injury, and he will be ready to rejoin the Gunners' preparations for a crucial stretch of matches.

Arsenal will face Fulham at home next Tuesday, followed by a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday.

The team's focus will then shift to their highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid, with the first leg scheduled for April 8 at the Emirates, and if you/re thinking of backing the Gunners, you can get ahead with MightyTips expert football tips. After hosting Brentford on April 12, Arsenal will travel to the Bernabeu for the return leg on April 16.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are continuing to monitor Calafiori's knee injury, which he sustained while playing for Italy, and Timber remains unavailable after pulling out of the Netherlands squad due to illness.

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