Arsenal were not able to escape their disastrous luck on the injury front during their win over Fulham.
The Gunners won 2-1 against Fulham at the Emirates on an occasion that was meant to be one to savour.
Bukayo Saka returned from injury to a standing ovation in N5; however, the celebrations did not mark the end of Arsenal’s suffering.
Mikel Arteta has had to provide answers for Arsenal’s injury record this season, with another two casualties to report after the win over Fulham.
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Mikel Arteta shares Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber injury update
Fans filled the Emirates with excitement at the thought of Saka returning to action after over 100 days away.
The joy was short-lived as, after only 15 minutes of play, Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a hamstring injury, seeing the Brazilian head straight down the tunnel.
Concern didn’t end there as moments later, Jurrien Timber felt some discomfort, but fortunately, he played on.
The Dutchman was taken off after going down a second time in the 77th minute, adding to Arsenal’s anxiety on the injury front.
Speaking to the media in his post-match press conference, Arteta shared an update on the defensive duo.
When asked if there was concern about Gabriel, Arteta said, “Yes, because he never comes off. He felt something. We don’t know how big it is. We will assess him before the next games.”
On Timber, the Arsenal manager said, “With Jurrien, he was already struggling early. He couldn’t continue.”
Declan Rice comments on Gabriel injury as Real Madrid await
There couldn’t have been a worse time for Arsenal to suffer yet another blow to their squad, as the Gunners’ test of the season fast approaches.
In a week, Real Madrid will head to the Emirates for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, with the tournament likely to be Arteta’s only hope of silverware this term.
Players as important as Gabriel and Timber will be essential for the tie against the European champions, something midfielder Declan Rice referenced after the game.
“I don’t know what’s happened [to Gabriel],” Rice told Sky Sports.
“I hope he’s OK because he’s been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions.”
All eyes will be on Arsenal’s injury status heading into the clash with Real Madrid, but first, a trip to Goodison Park must be conquered.
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