Arsenal's defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes faced a concerning moment during the match against Chelsea, raising fears of a new injury setback just ahead of the crucial North London Derby, according to Football.London.
The Brazilian center-back, who had been instrumental in Arsenal's recent form, signaled distress to the bench, mouthing the words 'my ankle' after a robust challenge near the corner flag.
With only 15 minutes remaining, it seemed Gabriel might have to be substituted, with Jakub Kiwior ready to step in. However, after receiving immediate medical attention, he bravely continued on the pitch.
Arsenal's hopes for the upcoming clash with Tottenham hinge significantly on Gabriel's fitness, as his presence has been pivotal in their defensive solidity.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's tactical substitution saw the talented Bukayo Saka taken off, affording him much-needed rest following a demanding period on the field.
The decision came as Arsenal already enjoyed a commanding 5-0 lead.
The match witnessed a slow start with Leandro Trossard breaking the deadlock early on, but Arsenal's resilient defense coupled with Chelsea's wastefulness ensured the score remained unchanged at halftime.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically after the break.
Kai Havertz and Ben White found the net within minutes of the restart, exploiting Chelsea's defensive lapses.