Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Gabriel Magalhaes after the defender was forced off during Arsenal’s 2–1 FA Cup defeat to Southampton F.C. at St Mary’s.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on his official X channel, Gabriel felt pain in his knee and requested to be substituted, an action Arteta admitted is “never a good sign.” While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, the Arsenal boss confirmed that further assessment will be carried out to determine its severity.
Romano Reported:
Arteta on Gabriel Magalhães injury: I think he felt something. I don’t know exactly what it is. We’re going to have to assess him, but obviously, when a player is asking to be substituted, it’s never good news.
Softfootball understands that the match itself proved to be a major setback for Arsenal, who dominated large portions of the game but failed to convert their chances.
Arteta, having reacted to Consecutive Cup Losses, Stressing Focus on Premier League and Europe has taken full responsibility, stating that “the result” went wrong due to conceding twice despite their control of the game.
Mikel Arteta when asked what went wrong: The result. Especially the way we conceded the two goals. We had so much dominance, we had two massive chances before Southampton scored. You have to capitalise on that. That’s our responsibility.
The defeat ended Arsenal’s FA Cup journey following their recent loss in the Carabao Cup final, effectively ending hopes of a domestic double and any lingering quadruple ambitions. The result has also sparked criticism and debate over Arteta’s tactical decisions, while rivals have seized on the moment.
In other reports by Romano, Arteta urged calm and unity, emphasizing his belief in the squad and taking personal accountability for the outcome. With Arsenal still leading the Premier League table and preparing for a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, Arteta described the upcoming period as the “most beautiful” phase of the season.
Arteta: We have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us and now is the moment. In the season, you always have moments, normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have with certain level of difficulty, we’re going to say difficulty when we’re going to play the Champions League quarterfinals and the run-up for the league. If this is a difficult period, I believe that there are many other ones that are much more difficult.
He reaffirmed his commitment to defending his players and called on both the team and supporters to shift focus toward the challenges ahead.
Mikel Arteta: I love my players and I’m gonna defend them now more than ever.
Now, the Gunners must respond quickly, balancing injury concerns with the pressure to deliver silverware in the competitions that remain.
