Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 27-year-old centre-back got injured in the first half of Arsenal’s Premier League win over Fulham on Tuesday. The club said the injury is serious and will require surgery. This means Gabriel will not be available for the important UEFA Champions League quarter-final ties against Real Madrid.
In a statement, Arsenal said, “Gabriel is aiming to be ready for the start of next season,” as he begins recovery.
This is a huge blow for Mikel Arteta’s side, especially as the team is already facing several injuries. Defenders Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and long-term absentee Takehiro Tomiyasu are all out. Arsenal now has five defenders unavailable just days before the first leg against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on April 8. The second leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16.
Gabriel, who joined Arsenal in 2020, has become a key part of the team’s defence. He forms a strong partnership with William Saliba and has helped make Arsenal’s defence one of the best in the Premier League this season.
Sports analyst Nick Wright described the injury as a “nightmare for Arteta,” adding, “Gabriel’s presence at the back and leadership on the pitch make him very important. Losing him at this time is a big setback.”
The timing is even more difficult for Arsenal, who are also without key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the rest of the season.
Despite the injuries, Arsenal will hope to remain strong as they continue their Premier League title chase and Champions League journey.
