Mikel Arteta reveals Gabriel Magalhaes injury update after fresh Arsenal problem vs West Ham

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has discussed the reason he brought off defender Gabriel Magalhaes halfway through his side’s clash with West Ham.

Gabriel was an injury doubt after the Brazilian suffered an issue against Sporting CP in midweek, a game he couldn’t finish in the end.

The 26-year-old managed to make the starting line-up at the London Stadium on Saturday evening though, coming as a huge boost.

He showed exactly why he’s so crucial to the team when he rose highest from a corner to score for Arsenal in the first half.

Gabriel copied Gyokeres’ celebration again, before earning another goal for the side by winning a penalty.

Shortly after the half though, the defender was brought off in a huge potential injury blow to the side.

• READ MORE: Arsenal now want wonderkid transfer for star Jude Bellingham called a ‘top talent’

Gabriel Magalhaes injury concern

Gabriel was an injury concern for Arsenal in the first half when Lukasz Fabianski punched him when trying to clear the ball.

Referee Anthony Taylor waited for a while before deciding to award a spot-kick, eventually pointing to the spot.

Gabriel was on the ground for a while with a head issue, eventually standing up but staggering around while doing so.

The defender wasn’t checked out by medical staff immediately, with the half-time whistle so close to being blown after the incident.

After the break, the Brazilian was brought off in favour of Jakub Kiwior, a change that was also made against Sporting in midweek.

• READ MORE: Gary Neville claims Arsenal have a modern-day Thierry Henry and Robert Pires in two key stars

Mikel Arteta update on Gabriel Magalhaes injury

Speaking after the game, Arsenal boss Arteta revealed the reason for subbing off Gabriel amid those injury concerns.

He told the press after the game: “It was related to the previous injury he had in Lisbon. We decided to take him off.”

It comes as a huge blow to the Gunners as a persistent issue may well make him a doubt for taking on Manchester United on Wednesday.

It’s a quick turnaround for the defender, who will be pushing to make a 42nd consecutive appearance in the league for the Gunners.

While it’s unclear exactly what that issue for Gabriel is, whether it’s muscular or something else, it remains to be seen.