Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped about Gabriel Magalhaes’ fitness ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with West Ham.
Gabriel was substituted late in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, after scoring in a standout performance.
The Brazilian defender was replaced by Jakob Kiwior in the 84th minute, having reported discomfort.
Speaking post-match, Arteta referred to the issue as “some discomfort” but offered no further update during Friday’s press conference.
Arsenal will face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday at 5:30 pm, but Gabriel’s availability remains uncertain.
“Not a lot because we have another training session,” Arteta said when asked about injuries. “We have to see how the boys are. A few weren’t able to train.”
Pushed further on Gabriel’s availability, he added: “Wait and see.”
Gabriel has been a key figure for Arsenal this season, featuring in 18 matches and scoring three goals across all competitions.
The 26-year-old has formed a vital partnership with William Saliba, playing a significant role in Arsenal’s recent successes.
Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly hope to have him fit and ready for Saturday’s game.
Addressing the situation on Tuesday night, Gabriel stated: “We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort.
“I was about to make the change for Raz [Raheem Sterling], poor thing, I couldn’t make the sub.
“We had to get him out.”
Arsenal head into the weekend sitting fourth in the Premier League, tied on 22 points with Chelsea and Brighton.
After snapping a four-game winless run with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend, they seem to have regained their form post-international break.
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