Arsenal get defender boost ahead of Real Madrid showdown after international pull-outs | OneFootball

Some good news for Mikel Arteta with huge Champions League quarter-final looming

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Gabriel has left the Brazil squad to return to Arsenal training early, in a boost for the Gunners ahead of their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid next month.

Arsenal have been handed fresh fitness concerns this week after Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber withdrew from international duty due to injury and illness.

But Mikel Arteta has had some good news on Gabriel, who has withdrawn from the Brazil squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Tuesday because he is suspended.

Gabriel played 90 minutes for Brazil in their 2-1 win over Colombia on Thursday but he was booked in the game and his yellow card means he is banned for the Argentina clash.

Gabriel in action for Brazil against Colombia on Thursday

Getty Images

Rather than stay with the Brazil squad, the centre-back has left the camp to return to London to train with Arsenal next week.

Missing the Brazil game means Gabriel, who has been in brilliant form this season, avoids any risk of injury and will be back with the Arsenal squad early next week as they prepare for the run-in.

The Gunners face Fulham at Emirates Stadium next Tuesday, before playing Everton at Goodison Park next Saturday.

Arsenal then host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Emirates Stadium on April 8.

Arsenal are assessing the knee injury suffered by Riccardo Calafiori playing for Italy against Germany on Thursday

Getty Images

They host Brentford on April 12 before the return leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on April 16.

Arsenal are still assessing the knee injury suffered by Calafiori playing for Italy, while Timber pulled out of the Dutch squad due to illness.