Arsenal could be without FOUR key players for their huge Champions League tie against Real Madrid next week.
Arsenal resumed their Premier League campaign on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Fulham at the Emirates.
Mikel Merino, playing in a forward role, opened the scoring, while Bukayo Saka, returning to the squad, extended the lead in the second half. Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for Fulham in stoppage time.
The victory kept Arsenal’s slim title hopes alive, but it came at a cost. Gabriel was forced off due to injury in the 16th minute, and Jurrien Timber also had to leave the field in the second half.
After the match, Mikel Arteta expressed concern over the injuries to Gabriel and Timber.
“The downside is Gabi and Jurrien,” he said in his press conference. “We’re unsure about their conditions and will assess them tomorrow to get a clearer picture.
“There are two players in this team who never want to come off, and they’re among them. Gabi felt an issue in his hamstring, and Jurrien had been struggling early in the game. He managed to push through but eventually couldn’t continue.”
Arsenal were already missing Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White, who has now suffered a new injury setback. White is out due to a knee issue, with Arteta stating, “It was something on his knee.”
Calafiori, on the other hand, had to leave the match against Germany early and missed Italy’s subsequent game because of a knee problem.
Arteta commented: “Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien, and Gabriel Magalhaes – you can imagine how I feel with those four players out of the defensive line in just one week. But we still have four others who are incredibly determined and will do their job.”
Arsenal will face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid on April 8 for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The second leg is set for April 16.
