Why Arsenal Shouldn’t Worry After Gabriel Injury vs Olympiacos

Gabriel sparked fears among the Arsenal support last night after he hobbled off injured against Olympiacos.

The Brazilian defender lasted 75 minutes of his side’s comfortable 2-0 victory at the Emirates before he collided with his own goalkeeper, David Raya.

Gabriel needed treatment from the medical team on the pitch before the staff felt it was best to take the player off to replace him with teammate Cristhian Mosquera for the remaining minutes.

That incident had fans nervous over their star man’s fitness for massive upcoming fixtures as the Gunners look to finally win the Premier League title having been always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

Gabriel has been named “the world’s best” after recent performances for the club and missing the 27-year-old would be a significant blow for his side.

Gabriel Arsenal injury addressed by Mikel Arteta

Manager Mikel Arteta, however, moved quickly to play down any worries for the support in his post-match press conference as he revealed the call to take him off was a precaution.

And the Spaniard hopes his defensive rock will be available this weekend against West Ham United before the international break allows for more time for the player to rest and recuperate.

Asked about Gabriel’s injury, Arteta was honest.

“He felt something, I think it was a kick, I’m not sure, in the first half, and he was a bit uncomfortable,” the Spanish coach said.

“He could carry on, but we decided not to take any risks, really, because he’s played a lot of games. He comes from a long-term injury as well, and we need to look after him.”

How Arsenal could look without Gabriel if injury worsens

Arsenal do have other options at centre half if they need to dip into their squad depth with Mosquera already doing the job as a sub vs the Greeks.

Piero Hincapie is also a candidate to take Gabriel’s spot at the back so long as he can recover from injury after he missed training before Olympiacos.

That also forced him to sit on the sidelines completely for the action.

Gabriel was lucky to escape suspension for the West Ham clash regardless of injury status following his coming together with Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade last weekend.

The central defender was alleged to have elbowed his opponent in the aftermath of the German’s opening goal for the Magpies.

Gabriel would stay on the pitch – though his apology was ignored – and he would find the net with the winning goal late on to nab all three points and sicken the hosts.