Gabriel joined Arsenal in the January transfer window but boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that his lack of knowledge of the English language could be troublesome for the Arsenal team.
The Brazilian is now taking English lessons from the Arsenal Assistant Manager Steve Bould in order to improve his grasp of the language.
At this present moment in time the defender speaks little to no English and fellow team mate Gibbs has been helping him through training with simplified instructions to help the player on match days.
Kieran Gibbs told The Arsenal Official Website, “He doesn’t speak any English at the moment and it was the same with Alexis when he came. It won’t take him long. We’ve brushed him up on a few of the sayings for him to get used to.”
“In training and stuff in the week, Steve Bould goes through it with him with one of the Spanish boys, who then translates what it means in English so he understands when it is said to him on the pitch.
“That’s what it starts from and to get a good understanding it is important. One of the biggest things that I’ve realised from him is that he embraces the physical side of the game. That’s what we want from a centre half”
“At this stage of the season, we don’t want to have any excuses that we fell short from injuries. It is nice to know that we have got a good solid central defence who are all available.” said Gibbs.
Gabriel’s lack of English could cause Arsenal to leak goals, so the sooner he gains an understanding of the language the better for everyone involved with the North London outfit.