Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with the hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham on Tuesday night.
Scans on Wednesday confirmed Arsenal’s worst fears, with the key Brazilian a major loss ahead of their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Gabriel has been arguably Arsenal’s best player this season and his partnership with William Saliba has been fundamental to their defensive record. Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League this season, with only 25 goals conceded in 30 games.
Gabriel’s injury is sufficiently severe that he now requires surgery, which could mean he is still fighting to be fully fit in time for the start of next season.
Gabriel limped out of the action in the first half against Fulham and was in visible pain as he hobbled down the tunnel. He was replaced by Poland international Jakub Kiwior, who now seems the most likely candidate to stand in for the Brazilian for the remainder of this campaign.
Gabriel has started all but two Premier League matches for Arsenal this season and has played in nine of their 10 games in the Champions League. The 27-year-old is also a constant threat from set pieces, scoring five goals this season.
He is the third Arsenal player to require surgery on a hamstring injury in recent months, after Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, and his injury came on his first game back from the international break, in which he travelled to Brazil.
Mikel Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White ahead of the Real Madrid match next week, although neither of their knee problems are as serious as the injury suffered by Gabriel.
Versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori is also currently unavailable with a knee problem he picked up on international duty with Italy.
