Arsene Wenger has confirmed that defender Gabriel Paulista is out of action with a hamstring injury after picking up the niggle in Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over QPR tonight.
The Gunners snapped up Gabriel in the winter transfer window and Wenger named him in the starting eleven at the weekend against Everton and again this evening at QPR.
However, the centre-back had to be replaced in the 37th minute of the Premier League encounter, with Laurent Koscielny taking his place.
Wenger was quickly asked about Gabriel in his post-match press conference and provided an update on the defender's fitness.
"It’s a hamstring", he admitted via his club's site.
relatedNewsStory
"I don’t know [how bad it is], it’s bad enough to come off.
"It’s usually 21 days, not years!"
Wenger also reflected on the intense race to finish in the top four this season, with Arsenal's rivals Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United all recording wins this evening.
"It’s hot [in the top four] because everybody won tonight. We can only focus on our performances and keep going", he said.
"We have 10 games to go, we play six at home and four away, so we just can focus on our performances."
Next up for Arsenal is an FA Cup clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Like betting on football? Check out our sister site Inside Bet. Free bet offers, betting tips, betting facts. Visit Inside Bet.
