Mikel Arteta has cast doubt over the fitness of Gabriel after revealing that he was forced to take off the Arsenal defender against Sporting CP.
The Brazilian centre-back was substituted with six minutes left of Tuesday night’s statement 5-1 victory in the Champions League, where he headed in the third goal on the stroke of half-time in Lisbon.
Arteta had been about to bring on Raheem Sterling for the final stages of the game at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, but instead Jakub Kiwior was sent on in place of Gabriel.
“We don’t know [if he is okay], because he said that he was feeling some discomfort,” said Arteta of Gabriel afterwards.
“I was about to make the change of Raz (Sterling), poor thing, but I couldn’t make the sub – and we had to get him (Gabriel) out.”
Arsenal, who are next in action on Saturday when they travel to face London rivals West Ham in the Premier League, will hope that Gabriel has not suffered an injury as it would take the gloss off a fine win in Lisbon.
The Gunners put in a brilliant performance against Sporting and scored five goals away from home in the Champions League for the first time since 2008.
“I am very happy,” said Arteta. “It is a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.
“I felt really good energy and belief before the match. The first half was exceptional, you have to put it into practice. We were really clever, really intelligent and really efficient, the way we attacked them.
“After we conceded, we showed a lot of personality to bring the game back and then we scored the fourth goal and that’s when the game changed again.
“You have to enjoy [it]. When you play in this competition against these teams, you have to enjoy it. What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed.
“They played with purpose. If you want to be challenging for big trophies, you have to be consistent.”
