Mikel Arteta confirms major Arsenal injury scare after Olympiacos win

Mikel Arteta has given an update about the injury picked up by Gabriel during Arsenal’s win over Olympiacos.

Gabriel went down after a collision with goalkeeper David Raya towards the end of the game, which the Gunners were 2-0 winners in.

The centre-back received treatment on the pitch and he was then substituted for Cristhian Mosquera.

Gabriel going off had sparked fears he was injured, with Arsenal facing West Ham on Saturday, but Arteta has stressed how he believes the Brazilian is fine.

Gabriel applauds after being substituted during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC . (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I think he’s going to be okay,” he said. “He felt something, I think it was a kick, I’m not sure, in the first half, and he was a bit uncomfortable, and towards the second half he was there.

“He could carry on, but we decided not to take any risks, really, because he’s played a lot of games. He comes from a long-term injury as well, and we need to look after him.”

Arsenal defeated Olympiacos thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal’s Gabriel is substituted due to a possible injury against Olympiacos. (Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)

It maintained their perfect start to this season’s Champions League after they also beat Athletic Bilbao last month.

“Obviously winning in the Champions League is always very complicated,” said Arteta.

“I think we started the game really well, I think we looked a real threat, really dynamic, really playing forwards, a lot of run, a lot of threats.

“You have to be careful, in the first half David [Raya] had to make an incredible save to deny the goal, which you need in this competition as well.

“And after that, we had moments of a lot of dominance, as you said, and some others that, without control and dominating in a direct play, we got a little bit deeper, and every time they put balls in the box with the crosses, it’s a team that is very, very dangerous.

“At the end, again, we missed two big chances, but we did find a way with Bukayo to score a goal and breathe a little bit in the final few minutes.”