Gabriel injury: Mikel Arteta issues worrying update ahead of Arsenal Champions League quarter-final | OneFootball

Gabriel is now in a race against the clock to prove his fitness for next week’s Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon

Gabriel was forced off during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Southampton on Saturday

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Mikel Arteta admitted he is concerned about Gabriel's injury after the defender was forced off in Arsenal's defeat to Southampton.

The Gunners were sent crashing out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage by the Championship side, ending their hopes of securing a quick return to Wembley.

Shea Charles struck the winner with five minutes of normal time remaining to earn Southampton a 2-1 win and inflict back-to-back defeats on Arsenal for the first time this season.

Gabriel started the match but he was off the pitch when Charles found the back of the net, having been replaced earlier in the second half.

The Brazilian went down with what appeared to be a left knee issue and was unable to continue as William Saliba came on in his place.

Asked for an update on Gabriel's injury after the match, Arteta said: "I don't know - he felt something.

"Don't know exactly what it is but we're going to have to assess him. Obviously when a player is asking to be substituted, it's never good news."

Gabriel did not go straight down the tunnel but watched the rest of the match from the Arsenal bench. He had ice strapped to his left leg.

The centre-back was a fitness doubt heading into the match after he pulled out of Brazil duty at the start of the international break.

That came after Gabriel complained of pain in his right knee after the Carabao Cup final and it was decided between Arsenal and Brazil that it would be best if the defender did not travel to the USA for two friendlies.

Arsenal have a quick turnaround after their defeat to Southampton as the focus shifts to the Champions League.

They travel to Portugal to face Sporting on Tuesday night in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.