Arsenal dealt Gabriel hammer blow ahead of Real Madrid clash

Arsenal has just confirmed the worst fears about a key defender ahead of Real Madrid’s visit next Tuesday. After being substituted during Tuesday’s Premier League win against Fulham, the club announced that Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a hamstring injury that will require surgery.

Gabi is scheduled to undergo the procedure in the coming days and will immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation program, with the aim of being ready for the start of next season, the Gunners stated in an official release.

It means that the Brazilian center-back—a key pillar in Arteta’s defense alongside William Saliba—will miss Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League match against Everton, both legs of the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid, and the final stretch of the league title race - eight games, including a trip to Anfield to meet leaders Liverpool.

“Everyone at the club will be fully committed to supporting Gabi to ensure he returns to peak form as quickly as possible,” the statement concluded.

In addition to being one of Arsenal’s two starting center-backs—logging nearly 3,500 minutes this season—the Brazilian international has become an invaluable asset during set pieces, excelling on both ends of the field. With tactical insights from Nicolas Jover, Gabriel Magalhães has emerged as the Gunners’ top aerial threat, having scored five goals so far this season.

Another hamstring injury is once again derailing Arsenal’s plans. In the London derby at Craven Cottage against Fulham—the Cottagers—while helping to stifle a counterattack, Gabriel Magalhães suffered a tear. He quickly required medical attention and left the field with an unmistakable look of resignation.

Arsenal’s campaign hit by muscular injuries

This is the third serious muscle injury the Gunners have endured in just over three months, not counting the ligament tear suffered by Gabriel Jesus in January. At the end of December, Bukayo Saka also injured his hamstrings and had to undergo surgery. A few weeks later, Kai Havertz suffered a significant muscle injury during Arsenal’s winter camp in Doha and was forced into surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

Who will replace Gabriel in Arsenal’s remaining games?

With Magalhães confirmed to miss the upcoming match against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, all signs point to Polish international Jakub Kiwior stepping into the center of Arsenal’s defense.

The 25-year-old, who already filled in for his injured teammate against Fulham, earned high praise from coach Mikel Arteta after the game: “He’s been incredibly reliable—whenever we need him, he’s there, ready and available. He’s in top shape, always with a smile. Of course, he’s saddened by Gabi’s injury, but he’s also eager to play, and he’ll be fine.”

Kiwior’s likely inclusion in Arsenal’s starting XI for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals is also driven by Riccardo Calafiori’s injury and concerns over Ben White’s fitness. The Italian defender suffered a heavy knee blow during the recent international break and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. Meanwhile, the English fullback/center back was left out of the squad against Fulham due to knee issues. As for Jurriën Timber, who was substituted off last Tuesday after taking a hard knock against the Cottagers, it appears his injury might ultimately prove to be just a scare.

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