Mikel Arteta shares Gabriel injury update after Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United

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Arsenal were able to register a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday evening. 

The Gunners went into this game as heavy favourites, and their superiority ultimately told at the Emirates Stadium.

Paul Merson believed Arsenal would “destroy” Manchester United. Whilst the final result was not a thrashing, the Red Devils were rarely able to threaten the Gunners’ goal. 

Mikel Arteta will simply be delighted that his side were able to win, especially as he had some key players missing for this match. Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes were both unavailable due to injury.

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Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Magalhaes injury news

Gabriel has been in sparkling form of late, and was always going to be missed in this match. However, in the Brazilian’s absence, Jakub Kiwior was able to step up for Arsenal. 

Arteta will still be keen to get the first choice centre-back back in action as soon as possible, though, and seems optimistic that he won’t be sidelined for much longer. 

Gabriel picked up a knock against West Ham United at the weekend, but the manager isn’t concerned that he will be unavailable for selection for too long.

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video (04/12/2024, 22:40) in the wake of the win over Manchester United, the Spanish coach said of Gabriel’s current condition: “I don’t know, we have to wait and see in the next few days. It’s nothing too serious, but today was a bit risky to play him.”

How Arsenal coped without Gabriel vs Man United

Not only is the 26-year-old defender a reliable rock at the back for the Gunners, and the perfect partner for William Saliba, but he is also a devastating aerial threat in the opposition penalty area.

However, even without Gabriel on the pitch, Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was still able to work his magic, as both of the hosts’ goals came from corners.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka deserve credit for delivering consistently dangerous deliveries into the box throughout the match, and Jurrien Timber and Saliba were both able to benefit and secure the three points for the Gunners.

It is a huge boost to know that even without Gabriel on the pitch, Arsenal remain an extraordinarily effective set-piece threat.