Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães Ruled Out for Season After Hamstring Surgery
Premier League side Arsenal has announced that defender Gabriel Magalhães will undergo surgery to repair his injured hamstring, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. This injury represents a significant setback for the Gunners, particularly ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next Tuesday. The Gabriel injury is a blow to Arsenal’s defense as they prepare for the Champions League and remaining Premier League fixtures.
Injury Sustained in Fulham Victory
The Brazilian centre-back was forced off the pitch after just 16 minutes during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday. Manager Mikel Arteta mentioned post-match that the player had “felt discomfort” in his hamstring. Subsequent scans on Wednesday confirmed the extent of the injury.
Surgery and Rehabilitation
In an official statement, Arsenal confirmed the news: “We can confirm that Gabriel Magalhães has suffered a hamstring injury which necessitates surgery.”
The club added, “Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure on his hamstring in the coming days. He will immediately commence his recovery and rehabilitation program, with the aim of being ready for the start of next season.”
Defensive Dilemma for Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhães has been a key player for Arsenal this season. His absence creates substantial challenges for Arteta, especially before their Premier League game against Everton on Saturday and the home leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Against Fulham, Jakub Kiwior replaced Gabriel in defense.
Adding to Arsenal’s defensive concerns, Jurriën Timber is currently unavailable due to a knee injury, and his return timeline remains uncertain.
Further Defensive Absences
Ben White, another player capable in central defense, was absent from the Fulham match due to a knee problem. Riccardo Calafiori is also sidelined for at least two weeks with an injury sustained while on international duty with Italy.
These injuries potentially leave Arteta with only four fit defenders. In attack, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are already ruled out for the season, which has led to Mikel Merino being utilized as an emergency centre-forward in recent games.
Premier League and Champions League Implications
Following Liverpool’s win over Everton on Wednesday, Arsenal now sit 12 points behind the Premier League leaders before their upcoming visit to Goodison Park. The Premier League title could potentially be secured by the time Arsenal play at Anfield in a match rescheduled for Sunday, 11 May. Arsenal are scheduled to welcome Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 23 April, due to Palace’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa the following weekend.