Mikel Arteta’s frustration with injuries deepened after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham, despite Bukayo Saka marking his return with a goal. The relief of having Saka back was short-lived as central defender Gabriel suffered a hamstring injury just days before their Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
The Brazilian center-back was forced off in the first half, adding to Arsenal’s growing list of fitness concerns. Hamstring problems have plagued the squad throughout the season, with Kai Havertz already sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to a similar issue, while Saka had been unavailable for 101 days.
Further complicating matters, Jurrien Timber also had to be withdrawn with a knee issue, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed the game for the same reason. With Real Madrid looming, Arteta faces a mounting challenge in assembling a strong defensive lineup.
Despite the ongoing injury struggles, Arsenal found encouragement in Saka’s return. The England international made an immediate impact, scoring just seven minutes after coming on in the second half, securing the three points for his side.
Saka’s celebration reflected his gratitude, as he ran straight to the club’s lead physical performance coach, Sam Wilson, who played a key role in his recovery. Arteta praised Saka’s gesture, highlighting the player’s appreciation for the behind-the-scenes staff who helped him return to fitness.
His absence had been sorely felt, as Arsenal struggled in attack during his time away. With Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also unavailable, breaking down defenses had become a challenge. Before Saka’s injury, Arsenal had scored at an average of 2.1 goals per Premier League game, a figure that dropped to 1.5 in his absence. The team’s points per game and expected goals also saw noticeable declines.
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray emphasized Saka’s importance, noting how his return has lifted the entire squad ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture. Arsenal fans clearly shared this sentiment, giving Saka a standing ovation as he stepped onto the pitch for the first time since December.
While Saka’s return is a major boost, the loss of Gabriel could significantly impact Arsenal’s defense against Real Madrid. The Brazilian defender has been a crucial presence, contributing at both ends of the pitch with three goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.
Since his arrival in 2020, no defender in the league has scored more than his 17 goals. His absence has historically affected Arsenal’s performance, with their win percentage dropping from 63.50% when he plays to just 40.90% when he is unavailable.
Declan Rice underlined Gabriel’s value, expressing hope that the defender’s injury is not severe, given his consistent performances throughout the campaign. Arteta acknowledged the challenges posed by the club’s injury situation but remained optimistic about their resilience. He pointed out that key players, including Gabriel Martinelli, Saka, Havertz, and Jesus, have all missed significant periods, yet Arsenal remains competitive.
With limited time to recover before facing the reigning European champions, Arteta and his squad will have to dig deep. Despite the setbacks, the manager assured fans that Arsenal remains determined to fight for their place in the Champions League semifinals.
