Arsenal have confirmed that key defender Gabriel will miss the rest of the season through injury.
The news comes ahead of the Gunners’ huge Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid this month.
Gabriel limped off early on during Arsenal’s win over Fulham on Tuesday with a suspected hamstring problem.
And now the club have confirmed that the centre-back will have to undergo surgery and are hoping to have him back for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
A full statement from the club said: “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.”
Medical update: Gabriel Magalhaes
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 3, 2025
Gabriel has formed a formidable partnership at the back with William Saliba in recent years, turning the Gunners into one of the most defensively sound sides in Europe.
The 27-year-old has scored five goals this season alone, as well as providing three assists.
Arsenal’s work to become a lethal team on set pieces has paid dividends as they chase the Premier League title and there is no better weapon to have in the box than Gabriel.
It remains to be seen how Arteta will shuffle his pack ahead of the remaining league games and crucial Champions League clash.
But whoever does come in to the defence will have big shoes to fill in the final months.
