Gabriel Magalhaes injury update emerges after Arsenal star forced off in Aston Villa win

Gabriel Magalhaes marked his first start since November 8 with the opening goal in Arsenal's 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa

Gabriel Magalhaes has avoided injury despite being forced off in the 77th minute of Arsenal's 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa.

The Brazilian, making his first start since the 2-2 draw at Sunderland back in November, bundled home the opener after a mistake from Emiliano Martinez, who failed to catch following a corner.

Further goals from Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus saw the Gunners chalk up a statement victory in the absence of injured midfield maestro Declan Rice.

However, there was also some concern when Arsenal's physio signalled to the bench that Gabriel was unable to continue late in the second half.

The Brazilian centre-back was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly but thankfully is understood to have avoided injury and appeared to just be suffering from cramp.

According to ESPN Brasil reporter Joao Castelo-Branco, Gabriel also later said he was fine and that he just went off as a precaution.

Rather comically, Piero Hincapie also accidentally stepped on Gabriel's fingers with his studs while his fellow defender was receiving treatment but the pain was only minor.

After the game, his manager Mikel Arteta paid tribute to his character after helping Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Spaniard said: "He comes back from an injury of six weeks that probably should have been a bit longer, and plays against probably the team that is the hardest to control, especially the front players and the striker that they have, in terms of their movements and he impacted the game in an incredible way, both defending and in the opposition box."

Gabriel's goal was his third of the season in all competitions. Arsenal must now rest and prepare to go again on Saturday when they travel to Bournemouth, a ground where they were beaten 2-0 last season.

The Gunners are hoping to have Rice back for the contest but at this stage, that appears to be far from guaranteed.

Arteta said post-match when he was quizzed on the £105million midfielder's fitness: "It depends [whether he'll be available this weekend]. The swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function.

"He wasn't able to do that today yet. He's improving but let's see what happens in the next couple of days."

Arsenal were boosted by the return of Jurrien Timber against Villa but left-back Riccardo Calafiori was not fit enough to be part of the squad.

Ben White and Kai Havertz were back on the bench though and that is good news for Arteta, who has been without the German attacker since the opening day of the season.