Arsenal may be without four key players for their crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid next week.
The Gunners resumed their Premier League campaign on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates. Mikel Merino, playing in an advanced role, opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead in the second half. Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for Fulham in stoppage time.
While the win kept Arsenal’s slim title hopes alive, it came at a cost. Gabriel was forced off in the 16th minute, and Jurrien Timber also had to be substituted later in the game.
Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta expressed concern over their injuries.
“The downside is Gabi and Jurrien,” he said. “We don’t know how serious it is yet. We’ll assess them tomorrow to get a clearer picture.”
He added that both players are usually reluctant to come off, highlighting Gabriel’s hamstring issue and Timber’s early struggles during the game.
Arsenal were already missing Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White, with White sidelined due to a knee injury. Arteta confirmed: “It was something on his knee.” Calafiori, meanwhile, picked up a knee problem during international duty with Italy.
Reflecting on the defensive setbacks, Arteta said, “Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien, and Gabriel Magalhães – you can imagine how I feel losing four defenders in one week. But we still have others who are determined to step up.”
The second leg against Real Madrid is set for April 16.
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