Arsenal have confirmed that key defender Gabriel Magalhaes is set to undergo hamstring surgery and will miss the rest of the season.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Gabriel injured against FulhamWill now go under the knifeNot expected back until next seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED
Gabriel was forced off early in Arsenal's win over Fulham on Wednesday, and the Gunners' worst fears have now been confirmed. The defender requires surgery on a hamstring problem and will not feature again in the 2024-25 campaign. The news comes ahead of Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid and will be a massive blow for Mikel Arteta.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT ARSENAL SAID
The club said in a statement: "Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery. Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season. Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season, forming a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba at the heart of the defense. Despite struggling with knee injuries earlier in the campaign—missing games in October and December—he has started 28 of Arsenal’s 30 Premier League matches this season.
His influence has been pivotal in Arsenal’s defensive success, as the club currently holds the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 25 goals so far. Losing such an integral player at this stage of the season is a significant blow to the team’s ambitions in Europe.
DID YOU KNOW?
Gabriel’s absence adds to Arsenal’s growing list of defensive injuries, leaving Arteta with a selection headache ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. Riccardo Calafiori is already sidelined and is expected to remain out for several weeks after picking up an injury while on international duty with Italy last month. Takehiro Tomiyasu is not anticipated to return until next year following knee surgery in February. While Jurrien Timber, who only recently made his comeback after a long-term injury, was also forced off against Fulham, raising further concerns about Arsenal’s defensive depth.