A video has been posted on Twitter by popular Arsenal fan Connor Humm of Gunners defender Gabriel limping heavily before slowly climbing onto the Arsenal coach – following his side’s 2-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in The Netherlands.
The Gunners travelled to The Netherlands on Thursday night, with the knowledge that a win would secure them first place in Group A – ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side. But PSV were as excellent, while Arsenal were well below par.
Arsenal were miles off it and despite PSV having two disallowed goals in the first half, Cody Gakpo’s glorious chip ruled out. Then, the highly-impressive Xavi Simons found the back of the net after battling away – but again, disallowed.
Eventually, it was Joey Veerman to open the scoring. Luuk de Jong was the provider, before the veteran Dutch striker doubled PSV’s lead minutes later. A howler from Aaron Ramsdale saw de Jong nod a corner into the back of the net.
Gakpo had another ruled out in a game that could have easily seen PSV score five or six. Mikel Arteta brought Gabriel off the bench on 74 minutes, but the Brazilian seems as though he has picked up an injury. Humm posted a video.
Video: Arsenal defender Gabriel limping heavily onto Gunners coach
A real blow, especially given Rob Holding played 74 minutes of the match – and may now have to come into the side on Sunday when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest at The Emirates. The Gunners looked a shadow of their normal selves.
Only their second defeat of the season, hopefully for Gunners fans it was only a blip. But Ramsdale’s form and now Gabriel’s injury will concern fans. They need an instant response, after last weekend’s draw against Southampton.
To do that, they will need their best side available – fighting fit. Unfortunately, it looks as though they may be without Gabriel for Sunday’s outing against Forest. Time will tell, but losing £51k-a-week Gabriel is a big blow for the Gunners.
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