Arsenal suffer Gabriel Magalhaes blow ahead Real Madrid clash
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, as Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
In a statement on Thursday, the club confirmed that the 27-year-old Brazilian centre-back will require surgery on the hamstring injury he suffered during their 2-1 Premier League win against Fulham on Tuesday.
Gabriel sustained the injury in the 16th minute at the Emirates Stadium and was unable to continue.
Arsenal will host Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday, with the return leg set for the following week.
“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,” Arsenal said in a statement.
“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.”
Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 25 goals in 30 games, but they sit second on the table, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, with eight matches left.
Gabriel’s absence adds to Arsenal’s growing injury concerns, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also ruled out for the rest of the season.