Arsenal have already sold perfect Gabriel replacement as key trio could miss Everton clash

might not be facing such a major selection dilemma for today's visit to Everton if Arsenal had not sold Ayden Heaven in January. The 18-year-old, who signed for Manchester United in a bargain £1million deal, might have been set for an extended run in the Gunners' team with Gabriel ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Heaven's scholarship deal with Arsenal was due to expire in the summer. With no professional terms agreed, the centre-back was able to discuss his next move. United, attracted to an aggressive, left-footed defender with huge potential, quickly completed a transfer in the final days of the winter window. Arsenal's loss was United's gain.

Arsenal will argue there was little they could do in the days before Heaven made that decision to leave. But until this season, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly breaking through, there was barely evidence of a pathway for the most talented players in the club's academy. Like at many clubs at the top of the Premier League, expensive, ready-made stars were prioritised over long-term development.

But had Heaven envisaged a path to first-team football at Arsenal, he might currently be preparing to play a key role in the most important run of their season. Gabriel's hamstring injury suffered against Fulham will require surgery and he will not return until next season.

Arteta would not confirm whether Ben White or Jurrien Timber will be fit to play against Everton. The Spaniard often keeps his cards close to his chest when quizzed on fitness issues, but the mere fact that both are doubts is a major worry. Jakub Kiwior, perhaps the weakest of Arteta's senior centre-back options, will likely start.

Heaven may even have been considered the best possible replacement for Gabriel, regardless of White or Timber being fit. Arteta likes the complementary nature of a right-footer and a left-footer at centre-back, with Heaven possessing great passing attributes off his left foot. He is mobile, good in the air and extremely strong in the tackle - as evidenced by his first few United appearances.

The England U19 international is currently injured but the foot problem he suffered in United's win over Leicester last month might not have happened had he spent the last few months at Arsenal.

Heaven will have few regrets over switching the Emirates Stadium for Old Trafford. He made his senior debut soon after his transfer was confirmed and seems set to play a prominent role in the Red Devils' remaining fixtures when he returns from injury. But Arsenal might be ruing the failure to show him there was a pathway at Arsenal.