Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow to Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of their clash against Everton. The Toffees will host the Gunners at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon as they both look to climb the Premier League table.
While the North Londoners may fancy their chances against David Moyes' side, they're set to be without their key centre-back. The 27-year-old defender suffered a nasty hamstring injury during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham.
After just a quarter of an hour, Mikel Arteta was forced to take off Gabriel, who was replaced by Jakub Kiwior. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about the Brazil international and his injury.
Gabriel incident during Fulham clash
Gabriel pulled up during Tuesday night's win over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. Just as Jurrien Timber extinguished a counter-attack with a brilliant slide tackle on Adama Traore, the Brazil international slammed on the brakes and clutched his hamstring.
He quickly signalled to the bench that he couldn't carry on, waving his hand in the air. Gabriel then dropped to the floor and waited for his teammates to kick the ball out of play.
As medical staff raced onto the pitch, the Brazilian shook his head. Gabriel was eventually helped to his feet before walking – unassisted – back to the Arsenal bench for further treatment.
Arteta reacts to Gabriel injury
Speaking to reporters after the game, Arteta confirmed that Gabriel sustained a hamstring injury. The Arsenal boss said: "They [Gabriel and Timber] are two players in this team that never want to come off.
"Gabi felt something in his hamstring, we don't know how big that is and with Jurrien as well, he was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue and, at some point he couldn't, so that's the downside to it."
Arteta added: "You can imagine, we've lost four players in the defensive line in one week - [Riccardo] Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien and Gabi Magalhaes. We have still another four, that are so willing that they will do their job."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the victory over Fulham
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the victory over Fulham (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal make Gabriel injury statement
Arsenal later issued an official statement, revealing that Gabriel requires surgery. It reads: "Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery.
"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. Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
What Arsenal games will Gabriel miss?
Gabriel has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Brazilian will play no further part in the Champions League, missing two crucial quarter-final ties against Real Madrid.
As for the Premier League, he won't be involved when Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield next month.
Who will replace Gabriel in the Arsenal defence?
Kiwior replaced Gabriel on Tuesday night, suggesting that he'll partner William Saliba for the remainder of the season. Speaking to reporters after the Fulham match, Arteta said: "The good thing with Jakub is that he's been very reliable.
"Every time we need him he's always there, he's available and he does his job. We ask him to play as a left centre-back, as a right centre-back, as a left full-back. He's ready, he's got a smile on his face.
"It's sad for Gabi but he really wanted to play as well and he will be fine," added the Spaniard. "If you ask the dressing room how much they want to play the next two games and the Real Madrid game, believe me, everybody wants to be on that pitch."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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