Gabriel Magalhaes has provided an update on his recovery. The 27-year-old defender suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham back in April - and he was forced to undergo surgery.
Just as Jurrien Timber stopped Marco Silva's team from mounting a counter-attack, diving into a tackle on Adama Traore, Gabriel slammed on the brakes and clutched the back of his thigh. The Brazil international quickly signalled to the bench that he couldn't carry on, waving his hand in the air.
He then hit the deck and waited for his teammates to kick the ball out of play. The Brazil regular was, eventually, helped to his feet before walking back to the Arsenal bench for further treatment.
After the match, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel had sustained a hamstring injury. A club statement later announced that the defender would undergo surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Fast-forward a couple of months, and Gabriel has provided an update on his recovery. On Friday morning, the Brazilian uploaded a picture of himself in the gym and back on the grass in the club's Adidas training gear.
This suggests that he could be ready for first-team training ahead of pre-season. As it stands, it remains to be seen how close Gabriel is to making his full return from injury and whether he'll be back in action from the get-go.
Gabriel Magalhaes is back on the grass following surgery on a hamstring injury.
Gabriel Magalhaes is back on the grass following surgery on a hamstring injury. (Image: @_gabrielmagalhaes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/\_gabrielmagalhaes/3653728792921537834/)
Earlier this month, the Brazilian signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel, whose previous deal was set to expire in June 2027, penned a two-year extension, keeping him at Arsenal until at least June 2029.
Speaking to club media, the Gunners defender said: "I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I'm so happy and I've learned a lot. I'm so proud of myself, it's an amazing journey, and I'm so happy to continue it.
"I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too. Arsenal is an amazing club and I'm so proud to sign a new contract. I love this club, I love the supporters, my teammates, I love this stadium. I'm so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future."
Then, on Instagram, Gabriel wrote: "This club means so much to me, it's been my home since the first day I arrived. I've grown a lot here, on and off the pitch, and I'm really proud to keep wearing this shirt.
"Thank you to the club, my teammates, and especially the fans for all the love and support. It's an honour to fight for this badge every game. Let's keep going, together. So much more to come! Come on you Gunners!"
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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