Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of their star defender Gabriel Magalhaes after he was substituted at half-time in the victory over West Ham United.
The Gunners’ centre-back opened the scoring in the 5-2 rout over the Iron in the tenth minute. Gabriel flicked home a brilliant corner to score his fourth of the campaign.
With Arsenal 4-2 up, Gabriel looked to grab a brace from yet another corner but was instead caught with a flying arm by West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski as he tried to clear his lines. It was clear that the Brazilian was in some pain as Anthony Taylor awarded the penalty.
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Things would become even more concerning for Arsenal when Gabriel was substituted at half-time. Jakub Kiwior came on in his place as the Gunners saw out the victory.
Mikel Arteta will no doubt be concerned that Gabriel will have suffered a concussion after the clash with Fabianski particularly with Manchester United on the horizon for the Gunners next. The 26-year-old did return to the pitch after the final whistle all smiles as he clapped the travelling away supporters.
However, this is by no means confirmation that he will be able to feature against United in midweek. Before Ruben Amorim can look at who may or may not be available for Arsenal next week, he has to focus on the Reds’ next opponent, Everton.
After Saturday’s results, victory over Sean Dyche’s men could see the Reds move to within four points of the Champions League spots. Following Arsenal, the Reds will return to Old Trafford to host Nottingham Forest.
