Arsenal’s hopes of a strong finish to the season have suffered a major blow as Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign following a hamstring injury sustained during Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham. The 27-year-old Brazilian centre-back will undergo surgery and is not expected to return to action until the start of next season.
Arsenal confirmed the injury in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that Gabriel’s right hamstring damage was severe enough to require surgical intervention. “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery,” the club’s statement read.
The injury has come at a particularly difficult time for the Gunners, as it rules Gabriel out of both legs of their highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid. The centre-back will now begin a recovery and rehabilitation program with the aim of returning to full fitness for next season.
Fans expressed their disappointment and support on social media, with many calling Gabriel the “player of the season” and wishing him a speedy recovery. One fan wrote: “Rest up, player of the season,” while another added: “Get well soon, Gabi.”
This injury adds to the mounting defensive concerns for Mikel Arteta, with Jurrien Timber also sidelined following a knock in the Fulham match. Jakub Kiwior is expected to fill in for Gabriel in the upcoming matches, while Oleksandr Zinchenko could replace Timber at left-back. However, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are also doubts for the clash with Real Madrid.
The Gunners now face a significant challenge as they approach the crucial stages of their season, with a depleted defensive line threatening to derail their title and European ambitions.
