Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering starting Gabriel at centre-back for Sunday's crucial fixture against Leicester, despite incumbent Per Mertesacker having returned from injury.

The Daily Mail is reporting Wenger believes Gabriel's pace is needed to combat the speed of Leicester front men Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.

Mertesacker formed a formidable partnership in the heart of defence with Laurent Koscielny in the early part of the season, but injury has kept the German out of the Gunners' past three fixtures, allowing Gabriel to take his place.

Arsenal have conceded just once during Gabriel's spell as starting centre-back, which may also factor into Wenger's decision making.