Arsenal defender Gabriel was forced off with 20 minutes remaining in their FA Cup loss to Southampton as Mikel Arteta issued a worrying update on his centre-half
Gabriel came off with an injury concern in Arsenal's loss at Southampton
Gabriel came off with an injury concern in Arsenal's loss at Southampton
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Mikel Arteta revealed that Gabriel asked to come off in Arsenal's loss at Southampton after he felt an issue, which he confessed is "never good news".
The Gunners were beaten on the south coast as they were on the receiving end of an FA Cup shock and, to add insult to injury, they're now sweating on the fitness of one of their leading lights.
Gabriel started at the heart of defence, but came off on 72 minutes with William Saliba replacing him. That change was not tactical with the Brazilian centre-half requesting to come off as Arteta revealed that Arsenal will have to assess his fitness, but didn't appear positive about the outlook.
Arteta said: “I don't know, I think he felt something - I don't know exactly what it is. We're going to have to assess him - but obviously when a player is asking to be substituted, it's never good news.”
Gabriel began the night without usual partner Saliba, with Cristhian Mosquera instead pairing up. They were unable to prevent Southampton taking the lead at St Mary's and Gabriel was off the pitch when Shea Charles scored their winner with just five minutes remaining.
It is the second cup competition that has passed Arsenal by in less than a fortnight. They lost the Carabao Cup final to rivals Manchester City at Wembley and then, despite being drawn against a Championship outfit, they've now seen their FA Cup hopes disappear.
An injury to Gabriel, who has been one of their top performers this term, would be a huge blow with the business end of the season approaching. Arsenal are looking to recover from several setbacks and push on in the title race, where they hold a nine point lead over City.
Arsenal's season was dealt another blow after their FA Cup exit
Arsenal's season was dealt another blow after their FA Cup exit
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They still have to play Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad - which will take place in a fortnight. They're also in the Champions League hunt and face Sporting Lisbon in the last eight ahead of a possible semi-final against either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.
Arteta doubled down on his and the team's methods as they look to get back on track. He said: "Giving [the players] clarity, even more conviction now, and trusting the players - believing in what we're doing, continuing to do that with little tricks that every game demands. But especially, maintaining the spirit, the attitude and the energy at the highest possible level, because that's critical to perform at the level that we need to win matches."
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