Gabriel injury a big worry for Arsenal, as Declan Rice declares defender 'best player this season' after Fulham win

Gabriel gave Arsenal a new injury worry when he went off early on during their Premier League victory over Fulham. Declan Rice said after the game that Brazilian defender Gabriel had been Arsenal's "best player this season". The Gunners claimed a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday that kept their slimmest of Premier League title hopes alive.

Arsenal star Declan Rice recognises it will be a major blow if they need to do without Gabriel for the crucial next few weeks.

Defender Gabriel went down with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the early stages of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Fulham on Tuesday night.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said afterwards that the fact his player could not continue "is not a good sign obviously" - and Rice made very clear how important the Brazilian is.

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"I don't know what's happened," Rice said. "I hope he's okay because he's been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions."

The Gunners have been beset by injury problems this season, with fellow defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori currently out.

At the other end of the field, Bukayo Saka returned to the squad for the match against Fulham after missing three months with a hamstring problem, while forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

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Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 to keep their slimmest of title hopes alive. They moved nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who will play their game in hand against neighbours Everton on Wednesday night.

The Gunners also have a UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid coming up.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Asked about the Gabriel injury, Arteta said: "He felt something. He's not quite sure how bad it is.

"The fact that he could not continue is not a good sign obviously. We are worried because he never wants to come off.

"We have to adapt. Unfortunately it's been the narrative throughout the season. Let's keep working and see how he is."

Asked if it was a hamstring injury, Arteta replied: "He felt something there, yes."

The Gunners claimed a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and the returning Saka.

Saka scored just seven minutes into his comeback after 101 days out injured.

Gabriel went off with an injury during Arsenal's clash with Fulham

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal will next go to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday - a game that will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Then the Gunners will host Real in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next Tuesday night.

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