Liverpool are not back in action until Wednesday when they host Everton, but their closest Premier League title rivals Arsenal returned to face Fulham on Tuesday
Gabriel looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after picking up an injury during Arsenal vs Fulham
Gabriel looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after picking up an injury during Arsenal vs Fulham(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Liverpool's Premier League rivals Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of a late title charge after Gabriel Magalhaes limped off against Fulham on Tuesday.
The Gunners, looking to close the gap on Arne Slot's side to nine points ahead of the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, started on the front foot at the Emirates Stadium. They created a couple of chances, with Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri trying their luck.
However, their early momentum took a massive hit in the 15th minute when Gabriel went down holding his hamstring. The Brazilian was treated by the Arsenal medical staff before the decision was made to take him off, with Poland international Jakub Kiwior coming on to replace him.
If Gabriel misses one or more Premier League game then that would represent a massive blow for Arsenal in their pursuit of catching Liverpool in the title race. The Gunners travel to Everton on Saturday in their next top-flight outing before entertaining Brentford the following weekend.
It's a hectic period for Arteta's side, who also face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, with the first leg taking place next Tuesday. While their immediate focus will be on the Premier League fixtures, Arteta is no doubt going to have a major focus on their European campaign.
Liverpool face Everton looking to get back to winning ways after failing to win their last two matches across all competitions. Speaking ahead of the game, Slot said: "Most of our players played one week. Everybody can understand the position we are in. We are so looking forward to these nine games. Our players are refreshed.
"It's not all negative. We played a final and we got beaten to a very good PSG team. I was proud of our performance against PSG. Maybe the best performance this season but unfortunately we lost on penalties."
On the Merseyside derby, Slot added: "I expect the same but with one difference. When Everton players do well, they won't get cheers. Our players will. That is a different emotion.
"Football-wise it is the same. David Moyes hasn't lost a game in the last nine league games so it would be strange if they did something different. But we are top of the league so it would be strange if we did something different."