Arsenal receive major Gabriel Magalhaes injury update after Man Utd victory.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes could be back for the Gunners this weekend after missing out on the squad which beat Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday night.
The Gunners’ star centre-back was substituted at half-time on Saturday in the 5-2 victory over West Ham. Moments before the break at the London Stadium, the Brazilian won a penalty having been caught in the head by Lukasz Fabianski’s punch.
Concerned supporters thought this could mean he had suffered a concussion which could result in a fairly lengthy period on the touchline. However, Arteta confirmed after the match that Gabriel had actually felt something during the first-half and was not to be risked with the scoreline out of reach of the hosts.
Hope that Gabriel would return in time for United was dashed when the teamsheet came out and the defender was named in the squad. Instead, he took his place behind the bench alongside Riccardo Calafiori to watch as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba’s goals secured a 2-0 win.
When asked about his defender’s fitness at full-time, Arteta relieved any concerns. The Spaniard explained that Gabriel was deemed too big a risk to face United so soon after feeling something at West Ham.
The Arsenal boss said: “Gabi was a big risk to play today because he felt something against West Ham. Sunday he’s going to be a possibility.” However, this precautionary approach to the injury meant the centre-back had a chance of being fit to face Fulham on Sunday.
Victory over United on Wednesday night was even more important after leaders Liverpool drew 3-3 with Newcastle at St James’ Park to allow the Gunners to close the gap.
