LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Gabriel is an injury doubt for Arsenal’s game at home to Manchester United (AMA/Getty)
Mikel Arteta has remained coy over the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilian defender scoring Arsenal’s opening goal in their 5-2 victory over West Ham on Saturday but was forced off at half time.
Arteta confirmed that Gabriel was substituted because of an injury he had suffered during the win over Sporting CP in the Champions League earlier in the week.
Arsenal will now be hoping that Gabriel will be fit enough for United’s visit to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
When asked about Gabriel’s fitness, Arteta said on Tuesday afternoon: ‘We’re going to have a meeting this afternoon.
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Elli Birch/IPS/Shutterstock (14958896l) Gabriel of Arsenal FC sits on then pitch looking bemused after clashing with Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United West Ham United v Arsenal FC, Premier League, Football, The London Stadium, Stratford, London, UK - 30 Nov 2024
Gabriel was forced off at half time during Arsenal’s 5-2 win against West Ham (IPS/Shutterstock)
‘We have done a training session, we will monitor and keep a few away from certain activities and after that meeting I will decide which ones are fit and available and who will start.’
Asked about Gabriel’s post on social media which read, ‘see you Wednesday’, Arteta laughed and replied: ‘I know, they all want to play.’
When it was suggested that fans should not read too much into a player’s pre-game post on social media, Arteta said: ‘No.’
Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
United, meanwhile, are ninth in the Premier League but have not lost a game since Erik ten Hag was sacked in October.
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