Speaking after the match against Manchester City which saw Arsenal win the game but lose Gabriel, Wenger admitted that they are all waiting to find out what damage has been done to his ligaments.

“We have not even made a diagnosis in the medical room with our doctors or physios yet,” Wenger said.

“I can’t tell you more. He’s in pain. Let’s hope the pain is not a sign of bad news. The only thing we have to know now is how big the damage is with his ligament.”

In clear distress on the pitch and often in tears, it was obvious that Gabriel was in a lot of pain and that didn’t seem to subside after the match by the time Wenger spoke with the press.

“Maybe he was a bit tired, I don’t know. Was his coordination a bit weaker, I don’t know. Was he locked in the grass with his studs…

“I have to speak to him. He’s just come out of a medical room and he’s not in a better state because he couldn’t even talk on the pitch.”

The good news, small as it is, is that the defender will fly back with the team and will not need to remain in Sweden for medical treatment.

“I think so, yes [he will fly home with the team]”, Wenger added.

“Certainly on crutches.”

With regards to the damage to the ligaments of his ankle, we won’t know how long he is likely to be out for until the results of a scan, expected to take place on Monday or Tuesday, (the side only arrived back at midnight so likely Tuesday unless they need to wait for swelling to subside).

We all know, however, that ankle ligament damage can rule a player out for many months.

All we can do at this point is hope he doesn’t really have Arsenal DNA.