Mikel Arteta has provided a worrying update on Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury after the centre-back was forced off during Arsenal’s defeat to Southampton.
The Saints stunned the Premier League title favourites with an excellent 2-1 victory on Saturday, ending the Gunners’ FA Cup journey in the quarter-final stage.
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Viktor Gyokeres struck to cancel out the advantage of Ross Stewart’s first-half goal.
But Shea Charles scored the winner with five minutes of normal time remaining to earn Southampton a memorable victory at St Mary’s Stadium.
Gabriel had left the pitch before Charles’ winner with what appeared to be a left knee issue.
Arteta admitted after the match he is concerned about the Brazilian’s injury, saying it’s ‘never good news’ when a player asks to be substituted.
He said: “I don’t know – he felt something.
“Don’t know exactly what it is but we’re going to have to assess him. Obviously when a player is asking to be substituted, it’s never good news.”
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Gabriel missed six Premier League matches this season after suffering a hamstring injury in November.
He has now picked up another issue in a big blow for Arsenal.
Gabriel has been a key first-team player, starting 24 league matches and making seven direct goal contributions.
The Brazilian’s injury has come at a crucial stage of the campaign as Arsenal are aiming to lift their first Premier League title since 2004.
The North Londoners have fallen short in the title race in each of the last three seasons, but they are currently nine points clear at the top of the league table.
With seven matches remaining, they cannot afford any slip-ups.
Manchester City, who have a game in hand over their rivals, are capable of winning all their remaining fixtures to catch Arsenal.
Stats from Transfermarkt
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