Gabriel is injured, but Saka scores on his comeback as Arsenal defeats Fulham.

As Arsenal defeated Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, Bukayo Saka scored just seven minutes into his comeback, but Gabriel Magalhaes was sidelined due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

 As the home crowd celebrated their hero's comeback on his first appearance since December due to a hamstring injury, Saka headed in an acrobatic flick from Gabriel Martinelli at the back post after entering as a substitute.  During the festivities, he went to the dugout to give a hug to a member of the club's medical team.

The defender is doubtful for next week's Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid after Gabriel hobbled off. Mikel Merino, a makeshift striker, had earlier put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort from Ethan Nwaneri's cut-back for his sixth goal in ten games for club and country.

In the 16th minute, Gabriel had to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior after he was seen pulling up and clutching his hamstring while running back towards his own goal in an attempt to catch Fulham's Adama Traore.

 "Gabi felt something in his hamstring," Arteta subsequently revealed.  Jurrien Timber had to leave the game late due to a knee injury, which dealt further blow. The Arsenal manager acknowledged that he was "worried" but stated he was uncertain of the extent of the injury.

Before Fulham substitute Rodrigo Muniz scored in stoppage time after missing a fantastic headed opportunity minutes earlier, it looked as though Arsenal's defence, already without Ben White due to a niggle and the injured Riccardo Calafiori, would maintain a clean sheet in Gabriel's absence.

With Timber forcing a wonderful save from Bernd Leno, Merino having a second-half attempt blocked off the line, and Martin Odegaard squandering chances to double their advantage, Arsenal dominated the match overall and were thankful for the final whistle.

Before Arne Slot's team plays Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday, the victory closes the margin to Liverpool to nine points.  Fulham is still ranked eighth.

Analysis: Arsenal's victory night is marred by injuries

 Saka's goal, which he scored with just his fifth touch seven minutes after being introduced, gave the home crowd something to celebrate, but their evening was marred by Gabriel's and Timber's withdrawals later in the game.

 As he hobbled around the pitch and down the tunnel, Gabriel, whose combination with William Saliba has grown to be a significant asset to Arsenal, was dejected.  Arsenal's prospects of winning the Champions League would suffer a serious setback if he were to miss the match against Real Madrid.

It seems to be the most recent in Mikel Arteta's team's line of hamstring ailments.  The Gunners will be hoping Gabriel's injury is not as bad as those of Kai Havertz, who was sidelined for the season after suffering a breakdown in February, and Saka, who missed three months.

Even a grade one hamstring injury, which is more like a pull or strain than a rupture, typically means two to three weeks away. Saka and Havertz's injuries need surgery, which Arsenal will aim to avoid in Gabriel's situation.  That would include both Real Madrid games in Gabriel's instance.

With White and Calafiori already out, Arteta was further concerned about the possible loss of four defenders in a short period of time as Timber was forced to replace him after suffering a knock to his knee in the first half.

Arteta was happy for Saka Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta but concerned about Gabriel:

 Regarding Gabriel's injury: "He never wants to take it off, which worries us.  He doesn't know what it is or how large it is.  Yes, he sensed something [in his hamstring].

 Regarding Timber's injury: "He was struggling earlier and yesterday he wasn't at his best but we lost Ben [White] as well so he did a big effort to try and play."

Regarding Saka's return: "It was a nice chance to observe how much people adore and miss him.  It's beneficial to discover your personal identity while you're gone, and the welcome he received was outstanding.

 "Because he does stuff every day, he earned the stadium lift.  He is a good illustration.

 "It was for the team who helped him during the rehab," Saka said of his celebration with physiotherapist Sam Wilson.  It was a happy time.

 "It all comes down to energy, and when the crowd supports and encourages the team, it makes the whole place feel better.  It is just what we require.

Silva  We didn't play well,

 Fulham head coach Marco Silva said:

 "We didn't play a good game.  The victory was well-earned by Arsenal.  It was challenging when they gained control after a poor first half.

 "We appeared to be lacking in aggression and proper movement even in the opening ten minutes.

 "We had the ball, but we lacked the necessary attacking vigour.  The impact of the second goal is enormous, thus it is obvious that we must attempt to prevent it.

 "The reaction after that was good, the subs had impact on the game, but it was a bit too late."