Gabriel Magalhaes may miss Arsenal’s Premier League match against West Ham after experiencing discomfort in their 5-1 Champions League triumph over Sporting Lisbon.
The Brazilian defender scored a crucial goal in the midweek fixture but had to be substituted late in the game, raising concerns about his availability.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel’s condition would be evaluated closer to the match, saying, “We will wait and see.”
Potential Defensive Changes
With Gabriel’s fitness uncertain, Arsenal might turn to Jurrien Timber or Riccardo Calafiori for defensive coverage. Both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined with knee injuries, making Arsenal’s defensive options limited.
Arteta emphasized the need for consistency, especially as a victory could close the gap on Liverpool ahead of a critical clash against Manchester City.
Arteta highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum following back-to-back wins. “Winning lifts the energy and confidence,” he noted, while urging his squad to sustain their performance through the demanding Christmas schedule.
Arsenal aims to capitalize on their recent success, hoping to strengthen their Premier League standing during this critical period.