Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury that requires surgery.
The Brazilian centre-back was forced off in the 16th minute of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday, having gone down clutching the back of his right leg.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed after the match that Gabriel “felt something in his hamstring,” and further assessments have led to the decision for surgical intervention.
Arsenal released a statement on Thursday confirming the injury and outlining the recovery plan.
“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,” the club said.
Gabriel has been a mainstay in Arteta’s defence this season, starting 39 of 45 matches in all competitions. His absence comes at a critical juncture, with Arsenal set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals this month.
The injury adds to Arsenal’s defensive woes, with Riccardo Calafiori already sidelined for weeks, Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the rest of the year following knee surgery, and Jurrien Timber also forced off against Fulham.
Jakub Kiwior replaced Gabriel at the Emirates Stadium, but the Polish international has struggled for consistency when deputising in the backline.
Arteta expressed confidence in Kiwior’s ability to step up.
“The good thing with Jakub is that he’s been very reliable,” Arteta said. “Every time we need him he’s always there, he’s available. He does his job, and he’s ready.”
Another option for Arsenal would be shifting Ben White into central defence alongside William Saliba, though White has been dealing with a knee issue of his own.
Gabriel’s injury is the third hamstring setback for an Arsenal player requiring surgery this season, following Bukayo Saka in December and Kai Havertz in February.
With a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid looming and their slim Premier League title hopes fading, Arsenal will have to find solutions fast to cope without one of their most reliable defenders.