Mikel Arteta faces a defensive crisis after Gabriel Magalhães suffered a knee injury during Arsenal’s shock FA Cup exit, adding to an extensive list of sidelined first-team stars.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed defender Gabriel will undergo assessment following a knee injury sustained in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton.
The Brazilian, who recently withdrew from international duty, was substituted in the 72nd minute.
A cautious Arteta noted the worrying nature of the withdrawal, stating, “I don’t know exactly what it is… but obviously when a player asks to be substituted, it’s not good news.”
The injury exacerbates a growing crisis as the Gunners enter the season’s final stretch. With stars like Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino already sidelined, Arteta’s options are thinning ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting.
Despite leading the Premier League by nine points, the potential loss of their defensive anchor threatens to derail Arsenal’s remaining hopes for silverware following their sudden FA Cup collapse.