Leicester City vs. Arsenal: Key Takeaways from Arsene Wenger's Pre-Match Presser

Arsene Wenger is optimistic that centre-back Gabriel Paulista will be available for Arsenal's Premier League clash against Leicester City on Saturday despite the spectre of a possible ban as a result of his red card against Chelsea.

Gabriel had his red card for kicking Diego Costa rescinded, but he is awaiting a Friday decision on his response to the dismissal—he refused to leave the pitch immediately—which could see him pick up an FA ban, per David Hynter in the Guardian.

Gunners boss Wenger is "hopeful" the Brazilian will face no further sanction and said he is ready to play, per Joe Mewis in the Mirror: "I prefer the action to be taken on the pitch. ... He was sorry about what had happened. He is a fighter. In training he was completely focused."

The Frenchman admitted, however, that a ban is a distinct possibility, per Sky Sports (via audioBoom):

Santi Cazorla was also dismissed after picking up a second yellow card against the Blues, but he served his one-game suspension in midweek as Arsenal beat local rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the League Cup.

The Gunners have had a mixed start to the new Premier League campaign, and Wenger will be looking for his side to bounce back against the Foxes after their defeat to Chelsea.

Star forward Alexis Sanchez has been struggling for form following a strenuous summer in which he won the Copa America with Chile, but Wenger backed him to return to his best and score against the Foxes, per the club's Twitter feed:

Leicester have made an impressive start to the season and currently sit fourth in the Premier League, recording three wins and three draws in their first six league games under new manager Claudio Ranieri.

Arsenal face a tough task to get three points at the King Power Stadium, and Wenger revealed defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin would still be unavailable through injury, per the Evening Standard's James Olley:

Either Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini will fill the deep-lying midfield role against Leicester.

The Frenchman played himself into contention by scoring twice against Spurs on Wednesday, and Wenger has hailed his character after he took full advantage of his first start of the season, per Arsenal:

The defeat to Chelsea was Arsenal's second loss of the season, and they currently lie five points behind league-leading Manchester City.

A victory at Leicester is essential if Arsenal are to keep pace with the Sky Blues, and the Gunners will need to shackle the Foxes' star man, Riyad Mahrez, to pick up a win.

However, given the players Wenger has available to him, Arsenal should be confident of picking up all three points on Saturday despite only claiming a draw in the corresponding fixture last season.