Arsenal Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal welcomed one star back on Tuesday but may have lost another, as centre-back Gabriel Magalhães was forced off less than 10 minutes into their Premier League clash with Fulham. The Brazilian defender appeared to experience hamstring discomfort while tracking back to stop a counterattack.
Gabriel initially tried to continue but was visibly struggling in his own penalty area before going to ground and signaling for medical assistance. His early withdrawal raises concerns for manager Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal set to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next week.
Jakub Kiwior was called from the bench to replace Gabriel at the Emirates Stadium, adding to Arsenal’s defensive concerns. Ben White had already been ruled out of the match after sustaining a knock in training.
READ MORE: Why Ben White is absent for Arsenal against Fulham
Gabriel has been a key figure in Arsenal’s backline alongside William Saliba, forming one of the league’s strongest defensive partnerships. His absence could prove to be a major setback for the Gunners at this crucial stage of the season.
Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes (Image credit: Getty Images)
One positive for Arsenal is the return of Bukayo Saka, who was named on the bench against Fulham after nearly four months out with injury. Arteta had hinted that the winger was close to a starting role.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori will miss the first leg against Real Madrid after sustaining an injury while on international duty with Italy, further depleting Arsenal’s defensive options.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Arteta now faces a selection dilemma as injuries leave his backline stretched. With Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes fading, their focus has shifted to the Champions League. Facing Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid without two of his first-choice defenders presents a significant challenge for Arteta.
Arsenal nearly suffered another scare in the first half when Jurrien Timber required medical attention after blocking a shot from Raúl Jiménez. The Dutch defender briefly held his right knee but was able to continue playing, offering some relief to Arteta and his staff.
The Gunners face Everton at the weekend before hosting Real Madrid in north London just three days later. They are already without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, both sidelined with season-ending injuries.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal sold a ‘tremendous’ player last summer