Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhães
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have been dealt a devastating injury setback with defender Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Fulham. The Brazilian is set to undergo surgery, with the club confirming he will not return until the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Gabriel, 27, was forced off after just 16 minutes at the Emirates, pulling up while tracking back defensively. His absence adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing defensive crisis, with Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber also sidelined. The Dutchman, who recently returned from a long-term ACL injury, was also forced off against Fulham, further complicating Arsenal’s defensive options ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
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Arsenal confirmed Gabriel’s surgery and expected timeline in an official statement: “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery.
Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhães (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure in the coming days and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season. Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”
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With Arsenal’s defensive options severely depleted, Arteta may be forced to reshuffle his squad. Thomas Partey could be deployed in a makeshift backline if Timber is not fit to partner William Saliba, while Jakub Kiwior and young prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly may also be called upon.
Even before the full extent of Gabriel Magalhães’s injury was confirmed, Arsenal legend Ian Wright highlighted the significant impact of his absence.
“It is very concerning because the way he pulled up, that’s not two weeks – that’s six weeks at least, maybe the season,” Wright said on Premier League Productions. “With him and without him, there’s a massive difference. He is vital to what Arsenal are doing.”
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