Arsenal's defensive crisis has reached new lows after Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior both trudged off injured in the second-half of their side's clash with Liverpool.
Summer signing Mikel Merino had restored the Gunners' lead with just minutes of the opening period remaining, emphatically heading home a pinpoint Declan Rice cross.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a wonderfully composed finish before Virgil van Dijk drew Arne Slot's side level in a pulsating first-half.
But just minutes after the break, Arsenal fans had their nightmare scenario play out in front of them as centre-back Gabriel slumped to the ground in pain.
Much to their initial relief, the Brazilian was soon back on his feet after responding well to on-field treatment and was called into action as Liverpool ramped up the pressure.
Just minutes after the break, Arsenal fans had their nightmare scenario play out in front of them as centre-back Gabriel slumped to the ground in pain
He was soon on his haunches once again, however, and this time there was no prospect of him continuing, and the defender was forced to walk dejectedly down the tunnel after he was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
The knock appeared to come after a collision with Darwin Nunez seemed to jar Gabriel's left knee.
The latest injury worsens Mikel Arteta's injury saga, with captain Martin Odegaard remaining on the sidelines along with Kieran Tierney, but crucially leaves the side dangerously short on centre-backs.
Last week at Bournemouth, William Saliba produced a reckless tackle on Evanilson as the Brazilian looked to race through on goal. Referee Rob Jones gave it a yellow but VAR sent him over to the monitor and there was no escaping a sending off.
Defender Riccardo Calafiori is also on the injury list after the versatile defender went down in midweek after awkwardly twisting his knee.
The Italian initially returned to action after receiving some on-field treatment from the medical staff at the Emirates, but within minutes was back down, and his game was over.
However, it would appear that he in fact suffered medial cruciate ligament damage to the knee which will still see him sidelined for the next few games but not, crucially, a significant spell.
The departure of Gabriel prompted Arsenal to sit back in a tight defensive structure in a bid to maintain their 2-1 advantage, while Liverpool ramped up the pressure.