Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted the Gunners could be without centre back Gabriel Magalhães for Sunday’s visit from Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian started the midweek victory over Atlético Madrid but, after grabbing both a goal and an assist, was substituted with around 20 minutes remaining and there were no obvious signs of any real fitness concern.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Arteta has now confirmed Gabriel suffered a knock which has left him unable to train since.
“Obviously Big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue, and he hasn’t been able to train yet, so let’s see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he’s available or not for the weekend,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference.
Losing Gabriel would come as a huge blow to Arsenal’s big to preserve a record-breaking back line. The Premier League leaders have conceded just three goals from their first eight games, setting a pace which, if maintained, would see them break Chelsea’s all-time record for fewest goals conceded in an entire season, 15.
If Gabriel is unable to feature against Palace, he would likely be replaced by impressive summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, while Piero Hincapié is an option for Arteta after shaking off an injury.
