Arsenal defender Gabriel has been stretchered off in a pre-season friendly 3-2 win over Manchester City.
In the closing minutes of the game, Gabriel collided with Kelechi Iheanacho in a 50/50 challenge causing what appears to be a serious knee injury. After some medical treatment on the pitch, the Brazilian international was stretchered off in the 93rd minute.
Gabriel Stretchered Off In Friendly Win
Arsène Wenger spoke to Sky Sports News HQ shortly after the full time whistle, saying: “He is in the medical team with our doctor and our physios.”
“He’s in pain and let’s hope the pain is not a sign of bad news but certainly it’s an ankle sprain, we just need to wait to see how bad the damage is. Of course we are frustrated but I’ve never seen an intelligent accident. We have to take that. It’s part of our game.”
The Frenchman, 67, later told Arsenal’s website that Gabriel has not had any medical scans and the injury is yet to be fully diagnosed.
Gabriel had started alongside new signing Rob Holding in the Gunners’ last friendly before next weekend’s Premier League clash against Liverpool. Sergio Aguero opened the scoring with a first half strike before goals from Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Chuba Akpom guided Arsenal to a morale-boosting victory. Iheanacho pulled back a late goal but Gabriel’s serious injury prevented City from finding a late equaliser.
Arsenal are currently without Laurent Koscielny due to a prolonged pre-season break and Per Mertesacker with a long term knee injury. This leaves Wenger with just Calum Chambers, Rob Holding and makeshift defender Krystian Bielik for next weekend.
A defensive crisis may force the manager’s hand in the transfer market to seek new cover for Gabriel and Mertesacker. Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi is rumoured to be linked to a move to the North London side.
