Mikel Arteta Speaks Up on Injured Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has eased fears over Gabriel Magalhaes after the latter limped off the pitch during their 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium.
Yesterday, Wednesday 1 October, the 27-year-old defender was forced off in the second half after colliding with Gunners goalkeeper David Raya. When it became apparent that he was struggling, concerns arose among the London crowd.
Gabriel received treatment before being replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, but Arteta later confirmed that the substitution was precautionary.
“I think he’s going to be okay,” the 43-year-old Spaniard explained after the match. “He felt something … and he was a bit uncomfortable. He could carry on, but we decided not to take any risks.”
The victory, sealed by goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, made it two wins from two games in Europe this season.
It also underlined Arsenal’s growing depth: Martin Odegaard and Ben White both returned to the starting line-up, while several first-team players were rested after a demanding English Premier League (EPL) schedule.
Gabriel’s importance to the Gunners remains clear: he has played every league minute this season, and is central to both the club’s defence and set-piece play. Arteta will hope to have him fit for their EPL meeting this Saturday, 4 October, with West Ham.
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