Mikel Arteta provides update on Gabriel injury after defender limped off versus Fulham

Gabriel’s withdrawal acts as the latest of a litany of injury blows in recent months

Mikel Arteta says it is ‘not good’ for Arsenal to lose a player like Gabriel at such a crucial stage of the season but promised his team would continue to challenge for titles despite their injury setbacks.

The Gunners suffered yet another injury blow after Gabriel limped off early into their visit of Fulham. The Brazilian defender appeared to be hobbling around the box before hitting the turf, holding his leg and shaking his head.

Arsenal’s players immediately indicated to the referee to halt play, with it clear Gabriel would not be able to continue and now a serious doubt for the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

He then limped off without the assistance of the medical staff, but looked dejected as he departed the field in place of Poland international Jakub Kiwior.

"It's not good for us to lose a player like Gabi, but it is what it is,” admitted Arteta after the game which Arsenal won 2-1.

“We are going to have to see what happened with him and if he is good for the next game, and if not we will have to try to adapt. We know how good we are and we are going to try to win the games even though he is injured.

"We have a big game coming up against Madrid and we are going to try to win the Premier League as well. We are going to try to win the games and win a title."

This acts as the latest of a litany of fitness blows Arsenal have experienced in recent times, with their lack of attacking options having derailed their title charge since January.

Numbers in defence are now similarly being stretched, with Gabriel’s early exit coming after Ben White suffered an injury in training.

”He had a little niggle two days ago," Mikel Arteta said on White pre-match. "Yesterday we tried, he wasn’t feeling right, so we decided not to put him in the squad today.”

Arsenal reduced the deficit they currently face in the title race to nine-points, with league leaders Liverpool back in action against Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday. However, this most recent injury blow could act as one more nail in the coffin for Arteta’s title hopes.

Gabriel’s withdrawal comes on the same night that Arsenal expect to welcome a marquee star back from the sidelines, with Bukayo Saka returning to the fold after a three-month layoff.

Saka started on the bench against Fulham but came on as a substitute to score the decisive goal on the night.