Bukayo Saka scored on his injury comeback as Arsenal recorded a 2-1 Premier League win against Fulham at the Emirates.
Saka ended his 101-day absence when he came off the bench shortly after the hour mark, and the England international was on the pitch for just seven minutes when he doubled Arsenal’s advantage.
Saka’s header, which followed Mikel Merino’s first-half opener, provided a huge lift for Arsenal on a night that saw defender Gabriel limp off in the 16th minute with a hamstring problem.
Gabriel’s injury casts a major doubt, not only over his availability for Arsenal’s first-leg Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Emirates next week, but for the rest of the season, too.
Rodrigo Muniz scored in the fourth minute of injury time but Arsenal saw out the win to move nine points behind Liverpool having played a match more. Liverpool will have the opportunity to restore their 12-point lead when they host Everton at Anfield on Wednesday.
Arsenal’s title challenge has been derailed by injuries to pivotal players, and just as Mikel Arteta welcomed back Saka – the England man afforded a standing ovation when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute – he now faces being without key defender Gabriel for the visit of the 15-time European Cup winners.
Racing back at top speed, Gabriel hit the turf clutching his right hamstring. The Brazilian was able to hobble off, but he headed straight down the tunnel wearing a pained expression.
Gabriel has starred at the heart of Arsenal’s defence in recent seasons, yet he now looks set to miss the visit of Madrid in a week’s time.
He was replaced by Jakub Kiwior, with the Pole making his first appearance in the league since Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Fulham on December 8.
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