Arsenal have suffered a major defensive blow as Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury that requires surgery.
The 27-year-old was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Following medical assessments, the club confirmed that Gabriel will undergo surgery in the coming days and will begin rehabilitation immediately, with the aim of returning for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
“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,” read Arsenal’s official statement.
The absence of Gabriel, who has started 28 of Arsenal’s 30 Premier League matches this season, could significantly impact Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup. Arsenal currently boast the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 25 goals, and Gabriel has been instrumental in their stability at the back.
Statistics suggest that Arsenal struggle without the former Lille defender. Since making his Premier League debut, Arsenal have won 63.5% of the 159 games in which he has featured, compared to just 40.9% of the 22 games he has missed.
His injury is part of a worrying trend, with Premier League teams seeing a surge in hamstring injuries this season. According to Premier Injuries, Gabriel’s setback marks the 119th hamstring injury of the current campaign, averaging four per round of fixtures. Last season recorded 163 such injuries, the highest in five years.
Arsenal, currently second in the league and trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points with eight matches remaining, will have to cope without their key defender as they push for a strong finish domestically and in Europe.
The Gunners are preparing for a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, with the first leg set to take place at the Emirates on April 8, followed by the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16. With Gabriel sidelined, Arteta may need to adjust his defensive plans as they take on the reigning European champions.
As Arsenal look to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most reliable defenders, fans will be hopeful that Gabriel’s recovery proceeds smoothly, allowing him to return stronger for the next campaign.
