Mikel Arteta provides worrying injury update on Arsenal star Gabriel

Mikel Arteta was less than optimistic about Gabriel’s chances of facing Real Madrid after the Arsenal defender was forced off with a hamstring injury during their 2-1 victory over Fulham.

Arteta also acknowledged that Jurrien Timber struggled for much of the game.

Gabriel was substituted just 16 minutes into the match after pulling up while racing back to defend.

He was replaced by Jakub Kiwior. Despite the early setback, Arsenal managed to secure the win, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal just seven minutes after coming on.

Gabriel was substituted after just 16 minutes, having pulled up while sprinting back to defend

However, the Gunners were dealt another blow when Timber, the Dutch defender, was also forced off in the second half due to a knee problem sustained in the first period.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live about Gabriel, Arteta said: “He felt something, he’s not sure how bad it is. The fact that he could not continue is not a good sign, obviously.

“But we had to adapt, Jurrien was the same, we lost Ben (White) yesterday. Unfortunately it’s been the narrative throughout the season, but let’s keep working and see how he is.”

During his press conference, the Gunners’ boss elaborated on Gabriel and Timber, adding: “We don’t know how they are going to be.

“We will be assessing them tomorrow. Two players in this team who never want to come off are those two.

“Jurrien was struggling very early in the game, he managed to continue and at some point he couldn’t.”