Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided a worrying update on star defender Gabriel's condition as the Gunners prepare for their upcoming Crystal Palace test in the Premier League. The Brazilian centre-back, who has been in red-hot form since the start of the season, was forced to leave the pitch in the second half in the club's 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week.
Gabriel hit with injury blow after terrific start to new season
Gabriel has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League with his consistency at the Gunners' backline over the years. The Brazilian is not only solid while defending, but he also contributes with key goals. The Brazilian has enjoyed a purple patch since the start of the 2025-26 campaign and has contributed with two goals and as many assists in 12 matches across all competitions.
His latest goal came in Arsenal's 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but the game did not end well for the centre-back as he had to be replaced by Cristian Mosquera in the 72nd minute after picking up an injury.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportArteta provides update on Gabriel's condition
Ahead of their key Premier League clash against Crystal Palace this weekend, Gunners boss Arteta provided an update on Gabriel as he said: "Big Gabby had to leave the pitch against Atletico Madrid with an issue and we will have to wait over the next 24 hours to see if he is available."
While Gabriel's participation is doubtful in the Palace clash, Arteta also confirmed that stars like Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are all ruled out of the game as they continue to recover from their injuries. Speaking about the three Gunners stars, the Spaniard said: "None are available in the next week or so."
Can Arsenal break Chelsea's record
To date, Chelsea hold the record of conceding the least number of goals (15) in a 38-game season in the English top-flight as the Blues, under Jose Mourinho, achieved in the 2004-25 campaign, which also saw them lift the title.
Arsenal's defence has worked extremely well in the current season, having conceded just three in their first eight matches. When further asked if he is eyeing Mourinho's Chelsea record this season, Arteta added: "Those kinds of records bring silverware at the end and the trophies that we want. The more we can produce, the closer we will be."
Adding further on the team's defence, Arteta said: "The teams with the best defensive records most of the time, except the past three seasons, normally win the league – so the stats go against us. The stronger we are in foundation, the better chance we have."
Getty Images SportEberechi ready for 'special' reunion with Palace
Eze is all set to feature against Crystal Palace on Sunday for the first time since joining the Gunners this summer. The English winger was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer, but the Gunners swooped in at the last moment and secured the transfer for the former Selhurst Park fan favourite. Since his move to the Emirates, Eze has appeared in every Premier League game and Champions League game and has established himself as a key player in the Arsenal squad under Arteta.
Speaking about Eze's reunion with Palace, Arteta said: "It will be a special match for what he did for Palace but the focus is on the team. I would love to play all of them but I would rather have this situation. We've been very short in numbers sometimes over the past few years."
The Gunners boss also opened up on Arsenal's reputation for playing defensive football instead of his trademark free-flowing style, as he added: "I don't see football like open play and set pieces. I see the game in a different way. "We have given that part of the game the importance it deserves. We have to maximise things we have and be effective. "Ten years ago I had a vision and tried to implement a method and I am surrounded by the best people to deliver that."