Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off in the 71st minute of Arsenal’s FA Cup tie at Southampton with the score at 1-1, raising fresh concern after he had already withdrawn from international duty.
Arsenal have been handed a fresh injury concern after Gabriel Magalhaes was substituted in the 71st minute of the FA Cup tie against Southampton with the score level at 1-1.
The defender’s withdrawal was notable in itself, but the concern only grew when he was later seen on the bench with ice on his knee after coming off.
That will raise further questions for Mikel Arteta, especially in the context of Arsenal’s recent international withdrawals. Of the players who had pulled out of national-team duty before this match, Gabriel was the only one who started at St Mary’s. William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke had also been listed as doubts, while Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were among those ruled out. Gabriel’s inclusion had therefore stood out before kick-off, and his early exit only sharpens the focus on his condition.
That made his selection a notable call before the match. His substitution now leaves Arsenal facing another fitness concern in a squad that was already stretched in several areas heading into the tie.
Arsenal went on to lose the tie 2-1, turning the focus even more sharply onto Gabriel’s condition after the final whistle. Arteta was unable to offer any immediate clarity when asked about the defender afterwards. “Gabriel came off... I don't know. 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 not good news.”
The bigger issue, now though, is what Gabriel’s condition might mean beyond this match, with Arsenal already dealing with a long list of absentees and concerns elsewhere in the squad.