Gabriel Magalhaes Texts Despite Arsenal Injury Worry Following West Ham Victory

Arsene Wenger had worries for the Arsenal supporters following the substitution of Gabriel Magalhaes in the 5-2 win against West Ham . So far, this is what we know.

Gabriel Magalhaes' spectacular game against West Ham came to an end sooner than expected, which led to doubts about his fitness. The Brazilian defender, in excellent form for Arsenal, headed in Bukayo Saka’s corner within 10 minutes. However, Gabriel did not play in the second half due to a suspected injury.

Gabriel Subbed Off at Half-Time

Arsenal dominated and put five past West Ham who managed two of their own in a tense opening half. Gabriel lost his place to Jakub Kiwior after the break, and many wondered what was wrong with him.

This wasn’t the first time this week that Gabriel needed to be replaced. He too was sent off early during Arsenal’s 5-1 Champions League defeat to Sporting CP in Lisbon.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta answered when pressed on Gabriel’s situation after the game. ‘It’s from the injury he suffered in Lisbon,’ Arteta said. ‘He did well to get involved but we wanted to take him out given the outcome and the discomfort he’s having.

Gabriel's Cryptic Instagram Post

Gabriel followed up the game with a string of match photos on Instagram. One was a photo of him scoring his goal, accompanied by the words: "Thanks God." The post did not mention an injury, but it suggested that the substitution could have been preemptive.

Updates on Saka and Calafiori

Arsenal made two more substitutions in the second half, with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori also getting sent off. But Arteta promptly reassured Saka fans: "He’s fine. No problem.”

For Calafiori, Arteta said his substitution was part of continual control of the player’s fitness. "Ricci has been experiencing a couple of aches over the last few weeks," Arteta said. "He had a bad knee injury and is recovering, but we have to regulate his minutes."

Arsenal Eyeing Next Fixtures

As Arsenal run the other half of the table and sit near the summit of the of the Premier League table , players such as Gabriel and Saka have to stay fit. It will be interesting to see if Arteta’s rotation works as the team builds on their excellent run through multiple competitions.

Gabriel’s switch, at least for now, looks like a move of precaution over desperation, giving Arsenal fans reason to think he’s in good shape for whatever lies ahead.