Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes caught in 'furious bust-up' as match abandoned

Gabriel Magalhaes was this week involved in a confrontation at a six-a-side game in London which the Arsenal star was invited to watch while sidelined with an injury

Gabriel Magalhaes has been involved in a furious bust-up during a six-a-side match in Peckham. The Arsenal star hasn't played since the middle of November because of an abductor injury and isn't expected to return until early January.

Gabriel, 27, was invited to watch the small-sided match which was organised by fans of Brazilian club Botafogo. The kickabout started friendly, but the atmosphere quickly turned sour.

According to the Sun, a horror tackle from one of the players left their opponent in agony. Enraged by the incident, Gabriel rushed onto the pitch from the sidelines.

Video footage captured the Brazilian international remonstrating with the offender in Portuguese. Although the confrontation didn't escalate into anything physical, Gabriel was clearly irked.

"It was really unexpected. He didn't look injured when he sprinted across the pitch to get involved," a witness told the newspaper. "I don't know if he knew them personally but he seemed to just see red and fly off the handle."

Following the incident, both teams agreed to abandon the match. Gabriel is expected to be at the Emirates on Saturday as Arsenal host rock-bottom Wolves.

His unavailability alongside regular defensive partner William Saliba has been part of Arsenal's dip in Premier League form. The Gunners have only won two of their last four top-flight games, a stark contrast to their incredible 10-game winning run in the autumn, while they're still cruising in Europe.

In a boost for Mikel Arteta, Saliba is nearing a return. "We have to wait and see," Arteta told reporters during Friday's pre-match press conference.

"Yesterday we didn't train, so we have an extra day between this afternoon, let's see if he can be available or not. It remains the same. If you asked me for the Everton game, I think he will be fit; for tomorrow, I don't know."

Fellow defender Jurrien Timber has also been out, missing Wednesday's comfortable 3-0 victory away to Club Brugge after picking up a knock. "Again, depends how he feels today," Arteta commented regarding Timber's availability.

"It was a knock that he picked (up) and he wasn't feeling comfortable. So again, I think it's a matter of days, but whether it's tomorrow or not we'll see."

Asked about Declan Rice, another absence within the Arsenal camp, the Gunners boss replied: "Let's see how he is today. He was ill, that's an illness, normally in a few days it gets resolved, but we have to wait and see."

Speaking about Leandro Trossard's fitness, Arteta reiterated: "Again, another one that is a matter of days. It sounds boring, but it's the reality, so we don't know."