Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes will miss the rest of the season after requiring a hamstring operation, the London club said. The Brazilian full-back's injury setback means Mikel Arteta's team got more defensive problems ahead of a meeting with Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Gabriel will need surgery after he suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday.
"Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation program, 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," the club said in a statement Thursday.
READ ARSENAL CLUB STATEMENT HERE
The first leg against Madrid is on Tuesday and Arsenal are concerned about the availability of Gabi's teammates Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White. Right back Jurrien Timber also struggled against Fulham with an issue he picked up ahead of the game.
Arsenal has seen key players such as Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz ruled out for long periods this season.
Havertz is out for the remainder of season also due to a hamstring injury, while Saka returned to action Tuesday after more than four months out.
Arsenal is second in the Premier League, 12 points behind Liverpool with eight rounds left.
