Mikel Arteta receives timely boost as Gabriel Magalhaes return date set after defender misses third straight Arsenal match

The Brazilian was included in the Gunners' starting lineup against West Ham in a league clash last month, however, he lasted only 45 minutes before being replaced by Jakub Kiwior. Manager Mikel Arteta later confirmed that Gabriel had to be subbed off due to an injury that he picked up against Sporting CP in their previous Champions League outing.

The centre-back then went on to miss the club's next two Premier League encounters against Manchester United and Fulham and was once again kept out of Arsenal's squad for their Champions League clash against Monaco on Wednesday. The Daily Mail, however, reports that the 26-year-old is close to recovering from a reported hamstring injury and the club expects the player to feature against Everton this weekend.

The north London side have managed to remain unbeaten in their last five matches out of all competitions, out of which they have won in four games. They have scored a whopping 16 goals and conceded just four.

Arteta's men will next face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday before meeting Crystal Palace on December 18 in a Carabao Cup round of 16 clash.