Wenger: Gabriel can't speak or understand English & it's a problem

Arsene Wenger has admitted that new signing Gabriel Paulista's lack of English could prove a significant problem ahead of his impending Arsenal debut.

The Brazilian defender joined from Villarreal last month but has yet to make an appearance for his new club.

The Gunners face Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday and, despite the language barrier, Wenger may still hand Gabriel a starting place as he looks to rest either Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny.

"When you don't speak English and you don't understand 'Come out, come back, right, left', it is a problem for a defender," Wenger said.

"You need to know the key words. Offside. Referee. Foul."

Despite having little time to acclimatise to his new team-mates and fresh surroundings, Wenger is confident his €15 million signing possesses the mental toughness to succeed in England.

"The players are always under tremendous pressure because everything they do is analysed by the pundits and the press," Wenger added.

"The modern player has to live with that - resistance to stress has to be stronger than it was 10 years ago.

"He will not read the press. He will just focus on his game - that is one of the advantages."