Arsenal defender Gabriel sidelined for three weeks with hamstring injury

Arsenal’s Gabriel had to be substituted within 37 minutes against QPR

Arsenal are set to miss defender Gabriel Paulista for up to three weeks after the defender picked up a hamstring injury during the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over QPR. The injury will keep the centre-back out of Monday's crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian moved to the Emirates from Villarreal in January and had to be substituted within 37 minutes against QPR during the mid-week match at Loftus Road. He was replaced by Laurent Koscielny.

After the match, Wenger said, “Gabriel had a hamstring problem," Wenger said. "I don't know how bad it is yet, it is usually 21 days.”

It was Gabriel’s third start for the Gunners and the 24-year-old had his taste of Premier League’s physical side after squaring off against QPR striker Bobby Zamora. Arsene Wenger admitted that his team showed nerves against Chris Ramsey's side.

“We were nervous in the first half and QPR put a shift in physically. They paid for that in the second half.”

Arsenal confident ahead of FA Cup tie against Manchester United: Wenger

However, Wenger was still confident of his team’s chances against the Red Devils on Monday.

He said, “It's a special intensity because it's between two teams with a chance of winning. We're focused on the FA Cup.

“We are the holders of the FA Cup and we want to keep it. The cup is about giving it all on the day and we'll do that on Monday.

“We are confident. We go to Manchester United to qualify and give absolutely everything with hard work and team effort.”