Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal can weather the storm of "weeks" without their defensive leader Gabriel as injuries threaten to derail the Gunners ahead of a pivotal week.

Mikel Arteta has revealed why he chose Piero Hincapie to replace Gabriel in Arsenal ’s backline for the north London derby against Tottenham. Gabriel has been ruled out for “weeks” after he picked up an injury on international duty with Brazil.

Arsenal defender Gabriel is set for further tests after sustaining a muscle injury in his right thigh, with concerns that he faces between one and two months out.

Arsenal's preparations for Sunday's home clash with Tottenham Hotspur have been hit by uncertainty over centre-back Gabriel, whose thigh injury is expected to rule him out of the showdown.

ARSENAL destroyed Tottenham with a score of 4-1 thanks to a historic hat-trick from Eberechi Eze at the Emirates. Eze, 27, became the first player to score three goals in a single North London

Arsenal welcome bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium for the latest edition of the North London Derby and the Gunners are able to welcome a host of key stars back into the side

The Brazilian defender had been an ever-present for Arsenal in the Premier League up until November’s international break.

The social media feud between Gabriel Magalhaes and Richarlison continues as the Arsenal man had another pop after Sunday’s north London derby. The Gunners brushed aside Spurs at the Emirates, dominating the game and picking up a 4-1 victory which sent them six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has hailed Gabriel as a “rock” - but backed the Gunners to cope without their star centre-back. Gabriel looks set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his thigh playing for Brazil in a friendly last week.