GABRIEL MAGALHAES is set to miss the rest of the season after it was confirmed he needs to go under the knife.
The Brazilian injured his right hamstring in Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.
It soon emerged that the centre-back would miss both legs of the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid.
But the club have now confirmed the 27-year-old needs to have surgery and is unlikely to return to the field again this season.
A club statement read: “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.”
The Emirates faithful were quick to react to news of Gabriel’s season-ending injury.
One wrote on X: “Rest up. Player of the season.
Another said: “Just end the season now.”
And another said: “Get well soon, Gabi.”
One remarked: “Come back stronger, king.”
Another chimed in: “THREE hamstring injuries so severe they require surgery in the same season.
“That begs some serious questions of the fitness/conditioning team.
“That’s completely ridiculous.”
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is now facing a defensive crisis ahead of next Tuesday’s visit of Real Madrid following injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, who also picked up a knock against the Cottagers.
Jakub Kiwior will likely deputise for the crocked Gabriel, with Oleksandr Zinchenko in line to fill in for Timber at left-back.
Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of Fulham and are also doubts for next week’s showdown with Real.
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