Bukayo Saka made a sensational return from injury, coming off the bench to score the winning goal in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. While the result boosted the Gunners’ Premier League campaign, it was overshadowed by a concerning early injury to central defender Gabriel Magalhães.

The Gunners broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Mikel Merino’s effort deflected into the net. The Spanish midfielder, growing in influence each week, took his chance with confidence, giving Arsenal the lead in a tightly contested first half.

But the game’s most emotional moment came in the 73rd minute. After three months on the sidelines, Bukayo Saka was introduced as a second-half substitute and wasted no time making his impact felt. Pouncing on a well-placed cross, the England winger headed home from close range, marking his comeback in style and sending the Emirates crowd into celebration.

Fulham managed to grab a late consolation through Rodrigo Muniz deep into stoppage time, but the outcome had already been sealed.

Despite the win, Arsenal’s evening was marred by an early blow when Gabriel Magalhães was forced off in the 16th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The Brazilian defender's fitness will be a serious concern for manager Mikel Arteta, especially with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid and key Premier League fixtures on the horizon.

With the three points secured, Arsenal remain nine points behind league leaders Liverpool with eight matches to go. Saka’s return provides a timely boost to their attacking options, but Gabriel’s potential absence could stretch the squad at a crucial juncture.

It was a night of relief and concern in equal measuren Saka’s magic lit up North London, but the shadow of Gabriel’s injury lingers as Arsenal continue their pursuit of silverware.