Ian Wright - Arsenal
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed concerns that Gabriel Magalhães could be sidelined for the remainder of the season after the defender suffered a hamstring injury during the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian centre-back pulled up while tracking back during a Fulham counter-attack in the first half at the Emirates Stadium. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior after just 16 minutes.
Despite the setback, Arsenal took the lead through Mikel Merino’s deflected strike before Bukayo Saka, making his long-awaited return from a 10-week hamstring layoff, doubled their advantage. Fulham pulled one back late on through Rodrigo Muniz, but Arsenal held on for the win.
With crucial fixtures on the horizon—including a Premier League trip to Everton on Saturday and the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next Tuesday—Gabriel’s injury comes as a major blow.
READ MORE: Arsenal hit by injury crisis as four defenders doubtful for Real Madrid clash
Wright fears the 26-year-old could be facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
“It is very concerning because, for me, the way he’s pulled up, that’s not two weeks,” Wright told Premier League Productions. “That’s like six weeks at least—he could be out for the season, depending on what happens with Arsenal.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury against Fulham on Tuesday (Image creit: Getty Images)
“But that’s a massive blow for us. With him and without him, there’s a huge difference. He is someone that is vital to what Arsenal are doing.”
Fellow pundit and former England international Karen Carney echoed Wright’s concerns, highlighting Gabriel’s importance to the team.
“When you’re chasing [Adama] Traoré in the first 15 minutes, that’s when he started to really stretch himself. You saw him pull up straight away,” Carney noted.
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“It’s worrying because of how many hamstring injuries Arsenal have had, and it’s even more concerning with Real Madrid coming up in seven days. You need this guy in your team.
“Consistency, the pairing of the centre-backs, his physicality, his mentality, his standards—in every good team, you need two solid, consistent centre-backs. It would be a huge blow if it turns out to be a long-term injury.”
Gabriel’s injury adds to Arsenal’s growing defensive concerns, with Jurrien Timber also suffering a setback against Fulham and Ben White already sidelined. Mikel Arteta will now be anxiously awaiting updates on his defensive options ahead of a defining period in Arsenal’s season.
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