EPL: Arteta Reveals ‘Big Fight’ With Gabriel Over Injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed details of a “big fight” he had with defender Gabriel Magalhães over a hamstring injury that has prematurely ended the Brazilian’s season.

Gabriel sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday. Scans later confirmed the need for surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.

He is now the third Arsenal player to undergo surgery in recent months, joining Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz on the treatment table.

Speaking to reporters, Arteta disclosed that Gabriel first experienced discomfort in his hamstring during their 1-0 loss to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.

He told reporters: “We have those discussions. I don’t know how we’re going to do it. For example, we had a situation with Gabi. During the West Ham game, he felt something in his hamstring. We played three days later, six days later, and nine days later. Three days later, he said he was ready to play with a grade one tear. He said, ‘I’m not feeling anything. I want to play’.

“It was a massive fight not to play him. Day six, ‘This one definitely I have to play.’ Everybody’s like, ‘There is still a chance of a risk to play’. We decided after a big fight, don’t play. Day nine, another game.

‘This one for sure’ [says Gabriel]. The doctors say there is a slight risk. He can miss five, six, seven weeks if he has an injury after that. We said not to play. On day 12, he played. But I was very tempted on day six to play him.”

Arteta’s comments shed light on the intense desire among players to contribute despite physical setbacks and the difficult decisions coaches must make to prioritize long-term fitness over short-term gains.