This international break sees Brazil face Costa Rica and the USA before players return to club duty, and Gabriel will be hoping to make his debut for the most successful nation in the history of the game.

The defender made a Brazil squad towards the end of the season but didn’t feature in friendlies against France and Chile, but is clearly still in Dunga’s plans.

Thiago Silva was called up for the Copa América during the summer but failed to impress as Brazil crashed out embarrassingly against Paraguay. Gabriel has now been given the chance to take the place of the former Brazil captain.

“I was always waiting for my opportunity, respecting everyone who was here,” said the Arsenal man, who joined the Gunners from Villarreal last January.

“This is not me exceeding anyone. Thiago Silva is a great player. As I have always said, I think he is one of the best defenders in the world and he will always help inspire me to become one of the best.”

Gabriel has started the season in impressive form for the Gunners. He didn’t start in the first two games but was thrust into action with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker both missing for the Premier League game against Liverpool.

The centre-half impressed hugely and played well again at St. James’ Park last weekend. With Gabriel on the pitch Arsenal are yet to concede, and we hope he is rewarded with a Brazil debut over the course of the next week.