Arsenal's Gabriel stretchered off after serious injury in friendly

Arsenal's annual injury crisis has come early, as Brazilian centre-back Gabriel was stretchered off after a coming together in the 93rd minute against Manchester City in Sweden.

Gabriel, 25, got stuck in on 50-50 ball with City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, and the former Villarreal man came out worse for wear with what looks like a serious knee concern.

In tears, Gabriel was carted off minutes later after his left leg was put into an air cast and replaced by Krystian Bielik.

Have to wonder why the ref didn't blow the whistle when the clock hit 90 in a meaningless preseason friendly.

Arsene Wenger addressed the injury after the 3-2 victory, saying, "He is in the medical team with our doctor and our physios."

"He's in pain and let's hope the pain is not a sign of bad news but certainly it's an ankle sprain, we just need to wait to see how bad the damage is.

"Of course we are frustrated but I've never seen an intelligent accident. We have to take that. It's part of our game."

With Per Mertesacker slated to miss at least four months with a knee injury, it appears as if his centre-back mate Gabriel will be joining him on the treatment table, necessitating the addition of a defender before the transfer window closes Sept. 1.

Laurent Koscielny has yet to return from an extended Euro 2016 break, leaving Wenger with just summer signing Rob Holding, 20, Calum Chambers, 21, and defensive midfielder-cum-makeshift-centre-half Bielik, 18.

Arsenal kicks off the 2016-17 Premier League season next Sunday when it welcomes Liverpool to the Emirates.