Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a concerning update on defender Gabriel Magalhães following his early withdrawal in Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Fulham.
The Brazilian pulled up with a hamstring issue just 15 minutes into the match at the Emirates Stadium. Despite receiving treatment on the pitch, he was unable to continue and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
Ben White was also absent from the squad, with Arteta revealing a minor injury issue before kickoff. With Riccardo Calafiori sidelined due to a knee problem, Arsenal now faces a defensive crisis ahead of one of their biggest games of the season.
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The Gunners’ remaining defensive options include William Saliba, Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney, with Thomas Partey also a potential option at right-back.
Arsenal will host Real Madrid next week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, but uncertainty now surrounds two of their first-choice defenders after Jurrien Timber was also forced off in the second half with a suspected injury.
Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhães (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta addressed the situation: “Gabriel and Jurrien, we don’t know how they’re going to be. We will be assessing them tomorrow. Gabi felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know how big that is. With Jurrien, he was already struggling early. He couldn’t continue.”
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Before their crucial European clash, Arsenal must first navigate a Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright expressed fears that Gabriel could miss the rest of the season. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright said: “It is very concerning because for me, the way he’s pulled up, that’s not two weeks. That’s like six weeks at least, could be out for the season, depending on what happens with Arsenal.
“But that’s a massive blow for us. With him and without him, there’s a massive difference. He is someone that is vital to what Arsenal are doing.”
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