Gabriel Paulista has the chance to stake his claim as a permanent fixture at the heart of the Arsenal defence after Per Mertesacker was taken off injured with a twisted ankle in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Reading.
The German defender was withdrawn from play as he limped off in the 63rd minute and was replaced by January signing and former Villarreal player Gabriel.
After the game, Wenger said: “He has an ankle problem. He is limping badly so that doesn’t look too good.”
The injury could mean that Mertesacker is unavailable to be selected for a number of weeks and Gabriel will certainly be ready to stake his claim in the side.
Former Werder Bremen defender Mertesacker spoke of his delight at Arsenal reaching their second FA Cup final in successive years, but also admitted that he damaged his ankle.
“I twisted my ankle but obviously I am delighted that we are back at Wembley – that is a fantastic achievement for this group for the second consecutive time,” the vice-captain said. “We are really proud.”
“It was a really tough game and we knew before that they would fight for their lives and give absolutely everything to keep us away from their goal and they did it fantastically. We are just delighted that we made it again.”
Gabriel has slowly been embedded into first team football for the Gunners since his January signing. The Brazilian was signed at a time where Arsenal’s defensive resources were depleted and Mertesacker’s dip in performance as well as being unable to play as many games as he previously could meant that Arsenal needed to sign someone who could provide back up to but also challenge the German for a spot in the Arsenal side.
As the Brazilian defender signed for Arsenal, it was clear to him that breaking into the team wouldn’t be easy but claimed he was willing to play for his place in the side and prove he was a player worth counting on.
“While respecting everyone, I want to play for my place in the team. I know that is not going to be easy, I must show my potential, I have to show that I can be in the group that the manager can count on me.” Gabriel said late in January.
With the injury to the World Cup winner’s ankle, Gabriel will likely partner Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Arsenal defence for the remainder of the season.
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