Arteta Reveals Gabriel's Injury Concerns Following Arsenal's Victory Over Olympiacos

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Magalhães should recover quickly from the fitness concern that forced his early exit during Wednesday's clash against Olympiacos.

While the Gunners were cruising toward what became a convincing 2-0 triumph, Gabriel had to leave the pitch with a quarter-hour left to play, appearing distraught as he buried his face in his palms out of disappointment.

Gabriel's emotional response sparked concern among Arsenal supporters about a serious injury, but Arteta reassured anxious fans that his substitution was a preventative measure rather than a necessity.

"I believe he'll be fine," Arteta stated.

"I believe it was a knock from the opening period, and it felt somewhat uncomfortable. He was able to continue but we chose not to risk it since he's featured in numerous matches.

"He's returning from a significant injury layoff and we must protect him."

Despite Gabriel's likely full recovery, Arsenal must anxiously await confirmation of his availability for Saturday's Premier League encounter against West Ham United.

The Brazilian defender has participated in every Premier League minute this season, after his 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a hamstring problem in April, though he might have to break that run this weekend.

Arsenal do possess defensive depth, however. Cristhian Mosquera stepped in to partner William Saliba on Wednesday, while Italian star Riccardo Calafiori can also operate centrally despite being deployed mainly on the left flank since arriving in England.

New recruit Piero Hincapié continues to be unavailable due to a groin problem. Although his return isn't expected to be delayed much longer, Saturday's fixture will arrive too early for the Ecuadorian defender.