Photo: Gabriel Paulista set for Arsenal debut in FA Cup
Gabriel Paulista is set to make his Arsenal debut against Middlesbrough
Gabriel Paulista will make his Arsenal debut on Sunday after Arsene Wenger named the January signing his starting line-up to face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
With a place in the quarter-final draw up for grabs, the Arsenal manager opted to select the uncapped Brazilian centre-half in his starting XI alongside Laurent Koscielny.
The 24-year-old defender completed a reported £16m move to The Emirates from La Liga side Villarreal in the recent transfer window, penning a long-term Gunners contract.
Wenger has given his new signing time to adjust to life at the north London club, sticking with his first-choice pairing of Per Mertesacker and Koscielny in recent weeks.
However, Gabriel comes into the Gunners side to face a Middlesbrough side joint-top of the Championship, after scoring 48 goals in 30 games this season.
Arsenal’s Instagram page broke the news with the above photo and following caption: “Gabriel makes his #Arsenal debut today. Find out the full team news on arsenal.com #COYG #AFCvMFC”
Gabriel won two Campeonato Baiano titles before the defender sealed a switch to La Liga side Villarreal in 2013.
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The Sao Paulo-born star made 50 appearances for the Yellow Submarine in all competitions after signing a five-year deal upon his La Liga move.
