Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid, with key defender Gabriel Magalhães facing a spell on the sidelines.
The Brazilian centre-back was forced off just 16 minutes into Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on Tuesday, with goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka sealing the win. Gabriel headed straight down the tunnel after being substituted, prompting immediate concerns over his fitness.
His wife, Gabrielle Figueiredo, has since confirmed that the defender has undergone scans for a suspected hamstring injury. Speaking to theDaily Mail, she opened up about the emotional toll of the setback.
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“It’s difficult,” she admitted. “Yesterday we got the news he got injured, and now he is with the doctor having scans. This is real life, and we never expected something like this. The only thing we can do is be together and support each other through these difficult moments.”
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury against Fulham on Tuesday (Image creit: Getty Images)
Gabriel has already missed five matches this season due to knee injuries, and his potential absence comes at a crucial time for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners are already dealing with multiple defensive injuries, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined.
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Addressing Gabriel’s injury, Arteta admitted it could be a serious setback for Arsenal’s Champions League hopes.
“Gabi felt something in his hamstring; we don’t know how big that is. You see Martinelli today, you’d think he was out for three months. Bukayo, four months. Jesus, almost the whole season,” Arteta said.
“How we have managed to be where we are with all these injuries is incredible. But we want it so much that we’re going to give it a real go. The players are willing to fight, and that’s what matters.”
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