"We had to get him out" – Mikel Arteta confirms 26-year-old Arsenal star suffered injury in 5-1 win over Sporting CP

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury during his team's recent 5-1 UEFA Champions League win over Sporting CP. 

Earlier on Tuesday (November 26), the north London side registered their third victory in their fifth Champions League contest of the campaign. Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard scored a goal apiece, while Goncalo Inacio netted once for the hosts.

However, the Gunners were dealt a huge blow when Magalhaes had to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior in the 84th minute of the continental tie. The Brazilian centre-back relished a fine time out in Lisbon as he completed 25 of his 29 passes and won one of his two tackles and two of his three duels.

After the end of the Champions League encounter at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Arteta confirmed that the former LOSC Lille man picked up an injury on Tuesday. He said (h/t football.london):

"We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort. I was about to make the change for Raz [Raheem Sterling], poor thing, I couldn't make the sub. We had to get him out."

Should the 26-year-old Brazilian fail to regain fitness before Arsenal's next contest, Riccardo Calafiori could be named as William Saliba's centre-back partner.

Pundit labels Arsenal defender 'disrespectful'

After scoring a header in the injury time of the first half, Gabriel Magalhaes drew ire from the home fans with his celebration. The Arsenal defender chose to copy Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres' celebration by placing his interlocked fingers across his eyes.

Speaking to Viaplay, Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg shared his thoughts on the left-footed defender's recent celebration. He said (h/t Metro):

"I'm not a fan of it. Of course, he must have had a lot of talk about playing against Gyokeres and whether he would be able to do it. Then his point in showing that he can handle it is quite simple. But I think it's a bit disrespectful. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I don't think it's necessary. I think someone else has that target gesture, leave it alone. I don't like to see it."

Former Sweden head coach Lars Lagerback also pitched in, adding:

"You can always discuss ethics and morality but I don't think it's particularly serious. But you can only take a little. There is probably some irony behind it, one hopes, and not just rudeness."

So far this campaign, Magalhaes has scored three goals in 18 outings across competitions for Arsenal. He will next be in action in his club's Premier League match at West Ham United on Saturday (November 30).