Arsene Wenger has hinted that Saturday could be Per Mertesacker’s turn in the current rotation at centre-back.

Apart from Nacho Monreal, no other defender has played more games than the German in Arsenal’s back four this season.

But with a busy fixture list coming up, Wenger decided to rest Laurent Koscielny instead as Arsenal defeated Bournemouth.

The Frenchman is set to return when the Gunners host Newcastle this weekend but according to the Arsenal boss, Gabriel is unlikely to be the man who will make way for Koscielny.

“I don’t know yet. I rested one or two for the game because the players at the back have played many games but there is a possibility [of Gabriel starting again].” Wenger said

Gabriel opened the scoring on Monday with his first ever goal since joining the Gunners in January.

“We didn’t speak about him [Gabriel] because Ozil took the whole press conference. I think he was dangerous from set-pieces and defenced very well. He had good focus, was agile, quick and very strong in the challenge.” he added

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