Arsène Wenger has confirmed that Brazilian defender Gabriel could be fit to face Manchester United on Sunday.

The defender hasn’t played since Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Bournemouth almost three weeks ago but will rejoin team training ahead of the Manchester United game on Sunday.

“He is coming back into the squad tomorrow,” the Arsenal boss told Arsenal.com on Thursday. “We will see how he responds to that, but the signs are positive. He might be available for Sunday.”

It may be a risk to start the Brazilian, but Per Mertesacker has received criticism for his performance against Barcelona and many fans would rather see Gabriel up against Manchester United striker Anthony Martial.

There was worse news for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who suffered an injury in the defeat to the Spanish giants on Tuesday.

“He has a scan today, he will not be available for Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla are no closer to their returns.

“(Wilshere) is not back in full training yet,” Wenger said. “Everyone else is the same as before, so there’s no Rosicky, Cazorla, Wilshere.”