Gabriel Magalhães was substituted in the 84th minute of Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the club’s Premier League clash with West Ham United this weekend.
The Brazilian defender, who scored his third goal of the season during the match, appeared to suffer a minor hamstring issue.
Speaking after the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided a brief update on Gabriel’s condition. “We don’t know because he said he was feeling some discomfort, so I was about to make the change of Ras [Raheem Sterling] but I couldn’t make the sub and we had to make other ones,” Arteta said, leaving questions over the extent of the injury.
Arsenal’s win in Portugal moves them closer to securing their progression to the Champions League knockout stages.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard highlighted their total domination.
Gabriel’s goal was his first in the competition and 18th for Arsenal since joining in 2020. Signed from Lille for €26m, the 25-year-old’s market value has soared to an estimated €75m in the last four years.
Hamstring injuries, such as the one Gabriel appeared to sustain, can vary significantly in severity. Minor strains typically result in discomfort but may resolve within a few days with rest and treatment. More serious injuries, involving partial or complete tears, can sideline players for weeks or even months.
Early indications suggest Gabriel’s issue is on the milder end of the spectrum, but Arsenal’s medical staff will monitor him closely to determine his the true extent, which should become clear in the coming days when any swelling dies down.
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