Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Gabriel Magalhães’ injury, admitting that the forced replacement of the central defender during Arsenal’s shock FA Cup exit was “never good news”.
The Brazilian key player left midway through the second half of the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.
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Gabriel appeared to be in considerable discomfort, clutching his right leg and signaling to the bench that he could not continue.
Arteta on Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury
In his post-match press conference, a visibly frustrated Arteta said he was concerned about the 28-year-old’s condition.
The latest setback was particularly worrying for the Premier League leaders, as Gabriel only recently returned to the squad after missing the international break due to a knee problem.
Arteta said:
“I think he felt something. I don’t know exactly what it is. We’ll have to assess him, but obviously when a player is asking for a substitution, that’s never good news.”
The loss of Gabriel comes at a nightmare time for Arsenal. The defender was seen with ice on his knee after the game, but with the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP scheduled for Tuesday, the Gunners face the possibility of losing their defensive anchor at the most crucial period of the season.
Arsenal lose their first cup game in two weeks
The injury was the final blow on a disastrous afternoon for Arsenal. In just 14 days, Arsenal’s hopes of winning a historic quadruple title have evaporated.
After losing to Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley before the international break, the Gunners missed out on another domestic trophy, leaving them with only two chances to win trophies this season: the Champions League and the Premier League.
Despite taking the lead in the second half with a goal from Victor Gokeres, Arsenal fell apart in the closing stages.
Shay Charles’ 85th-minute winner for second-tier Saints sent the St Mary’s crowd into a frenzy and upset the Premier League leaders.
Arteta’s side, who have completely dominated the league for much of the season, are now facing a sudden ‘wobble’ that threatens to derail any remaining ambitions in both the league and Europe.
