Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on Gabriel Magalhaes following the Arsenal defender’s injury concern during the Champions League victory over Olympiacos. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka secured a commanding 2-0 triumph at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The result means the Gunners have now claimed maximum points from both of their European outings this term. However, Arteta faced a potential setback in the second half when Gabriel was compelled to come off after David Raya landed heavily on the 27-year-old centre-half. Cristhian Mosquera entered the action to replace the Brazilian.
Following the encounter, Arteta revealed Gabriel’s withdrawal was merely precautionary. The Spanish tactician told reporters: “Yeah, I think he’s going to be okay. He felt something, I think it was a kick, I’m not sure, in the first half, and he was a bit uncomfortable, and towards the second half he was there.
“He could carry on, but we decided not to take any, really, because he’s played a lot of games, he comes from a long-term injury as well, and we need to look after him.”
Arteta will be hoping Gabriel makes a swift recovery ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Ham. Should he remain unavailable, William Saliba will presumably partner alongside Mosquera in defence.
Reflecting on the victory over Olympiacos, Arteta said: “Well, very happy, obviously winning in the Champions League is always very complicated, keeping another clean sheet, we make something like 11 in 14 games, which is remarkable from the boys.
“I think we started the game really well, I think we looked a real threat, really dynamic, really playing forwards, a lot of run, a lot of threats.
“Generally to the goal another two or three big chances, and we don’t put them away in this competition. You have to be careful, the first arrival David had to make an incredible save to deny the goal, which you need in this competition as well.
“And after that, we had moments of a lot of dominance, as you said, and some others that, without control and dominating in a direct play, we got a little bit deeper, and every time they put balls in the box with the crosses, it’s a team that is very, very dangerous.
“At the end, again, missed two big chances, but we did find a way with Bukayo to score a goal and breathe a little bit in the first few minutes, because it’s a team that ended the game really well. I think they won five already this season in the last few minutes, and we discussed that they’re going to keep believing until the end, and they made it difficult in the end.”
