“Although we won yesterday but I’m not happy because of what the doctor told me concerning Gabriel Magahaes injury…I have been crying since I heard it”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says he has been crying since hearing what the doctor said about Gabriel Magahaes injury against Fulham few days to Madrid game
In a hard-fought Premier League encounter at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham. Mikel Merino opened the scoring in the first half, and Bukayo Saka, returning from a three-month injury layoff, made an immediate impact by netting a header in the 66th minute to double the lead. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz managed a late consolation goal during added time, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.
However, the triumph was overshadowed by a significant setback. Early in the match, defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a hamstring injury and was forced to leave the field within the opening 20 minutes. This injury is particularly concerning as it comes just a week before Arsenal’s crucial Champions League quarter-final first-leg match against Real Madrid.
Gabriel has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, featuring in almost all their league and Champions League matches this season. His potential absence poses a significant challenge for manager Mikel Arteta, who may need to rely on William Saliba and Jakub Piotr Kiwior to fill the void. Kiwior, however, has had limited Premier League experience, adding to the defensive concerns.
The defensive woes were compounded when Jurrien Timber also faced an injury scare following a collision with Fulham’s Raul Jimenez. Though Timber initially continued, he eventually limped off with 15 minutes remaining, adding to Arsenal’s growing injury list.
These injuries come at a particularly inopportune time, with Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League ambitions hanging in the balance. The team is already dealing with absences of key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Jesus, who had been struggling with form and injuries, suffered an ACL setback during an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The club’s recent appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sporting director adds another layer of complexity. Berta’s immediate challenges include navigating the crucial summer transfer window, securing high-profile signings, and addressing player contract renewals, particularly for rising stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel.
As Arsenal prepares for the upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested. Fans will be hoping for swift recoveries for their injured players and that the squad can rally to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
The post “Although we won yesterday but I’m not happy because of what the doctor told me concerning Gabriel Magahaes injury…I have been crying since I heard it”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says he has been crying since hearing what the doctor said about Gabriel Magahaes injury against Fulham few days to Madrid game appeared first on RealSport.