By Noel Whelan

5th Jan, 2022 | 8:00pm

Arsenal handed 'big' Gabriel boost by ruling body news today - pundit

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have “no complaints” with Gabriel set to avoid a ban for the League Cup clashes against Liverpool, according to Noel Whelan.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 24-year-old would have been a “big miss” against the Reds.

The EFL confirmed today (5 January) that Arsenal’s League Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Liverpool is postponed following a rise in COVID-19 cases at the Merseyside club.

Gabriel was set to be suspended for the tie following his red card in the 2-1 loss against Man City on Saturday.

However, the Brazillian will now serve his one-match suspension during this week’s FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest.

Whelan insisted the defender’s dismissal was “naive”.

“I think he was a bit naïve,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“When you’re on a yellow, you have to be a bit more aware of the situation. But it was a great take from Gabriel Jesus, and it was just natural instinct for Gabriel to go into him.

“But we’ve been talking for years about how soft Arsenal are at the back, so it was nice to see that aggression there. They’ve got centre-halves in there who can tackle and get physical.

“He would have been a big miss for them against Liverpool, there’s no doubt about that. Arteta will have no complaints now he’s only missing the cup game.”

If Sunday’s FA Cup clash goes ahead, Gabriel is free to take part in the League Cup semi-final.

The two legs are slated for 13 & 20 January.

Arsenal face a potential Wembley final against Chelsea or Tottenham next month.

In other news, ‘there will be riots outside the Emirates’ after a ‘monster’ Arsenal bid is reported.