Arteta eases injury worries after Arsenal star forced off in Champions League victory | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has eased injury worries after centre-back Gabriel came off during their Champions League victory over Olympiacos.

“I think he’s going to be okay,” Arteta said. “He felt something I think it was a kick, I’m not sure, in the first half and he was a bit uncomfortable.

“He could carry on but we decided not to take any risks because he’s played a lot of games, coming back from a long-term injury as well.

“We need to look after him.”

The Gunners defeated the Greek champions 2-0, making it two wins in two in the Champions League.

“Very happy,” Arsenal’s boss reflected, “Obviously winning in the Champions League is always very complicated.

“We looked a real threat, really dynamic, really playing forwards. A lot of runs, a lot of threats.

“Generated the goal and another two or three big chances. We didn’t put them away but in this competition you have to be careful.

“At the end we found another goal with Bukayo and we were able to breathe a little bit.”

The match also saw captain Martin Odegaard return to the starting lineup after a spell sidelined with a shoulder injury. The midfielder marked his return with a stellar display, which was capped with a late assist.

“Great to have him back,” Arteta insisted.

“He always has a license to go forward, Martin. And to play with that freedom and that level of threat especially. Not only with the passes but the way he was taking the ball, carrying the ball, making runs and arriving in really dangerous.

“That creativity part is his nature. It doesn’t bring any pressure to him because it’s his best ability, to generate things that not a lot of players can do.

“He has total freedom from my side to explore and take risks.”

The Spanish coach also praised summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, despite the striker failing to get on the scoresheet for the fifth successive game.

“What I sense is that he’s doing better and better things every game. Today he was denied a few times, one of the blocks and then he hits the post.

“I think overall he was exceptional. Again his work rate was really good.

“Yeah we want him to be scoring goals but if he doesn’t do that, at least he is doing everything he is for the team. He’s helping the team a lot.”