Mikel Arteta confirms major Arsenal injury worry in Olympiacos victory | OneFootball

Arsenal ease past Olympiacos but Gabriel injury concern emerges

Mikel Arteta moved quickly to calm concerns over Gabriel Magalhães after Arsenal’s Champions League victory against Olympiacos. The Brazilian centre-back appeared to suffer a knock but his manager insisted the situation was under control.

Arteta reassures over Gabriel fitness

Gabriel required treatment after colliding with goalkeeper David Raya late in the game. He was eventually replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, sparking worries ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against West Ham. Arteta, however, downplayed the incident.

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

“He could carry on, but we decided not to take any risks, really, because he’s played a lot of games. He comes from a long-term injury as well, and we need to look after him.”

Arsenal extend Champions League momentum

The Gunners maintained their perfect start in Europe, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka sealing a 2-0 win. After an opening group-stage victory over Athletic Bilbao, Arteta’s side now look well placed to progress.

“Obviously winning in the Champions League is always very complicated,” Arteta said. “I think we started the game really well, I think we looked a real threat, really dynamic, really playing forwards, a lot of run, a lot of threats.”

Olympiacos prove awkward opponents

Despite the scoreline, Olympiacos pushed Arsenal in spells. Raya was forced into an outstanding save in the first half, a reminder of the thin margins in European competition.

“You have to be careful, in the first half David had to make an incredible save to deny the goal, which you need in this competition as well,” Arteta reflected. “And after that, we had moments of a lot of dominance, as you said, and some others that, without control and dominating in a direct play, we got a little bit deeper, and every time they put balls in the box with the crosses, it’s a team that is very, very dangerous.

“At the end, again, we missed two big chances, but we did find a way with Bukayo to score a goal and breathe a little bit in the final few minutes.”

Focus shifts to West Ham

With another Champions League win secured, Arsenal will turn attention to domestic matters. Arteta’s decision to withdraw Gabriel early may prove wise if the defender is fit and ready for the weekend. Maintaining rhythm across both competitions remains his priority as Arsenal look to build momentum this season.