Gabriel Magalhães Injury Update: Mikel Arteta Weighs Options for New William Saliba Partner at Arsenal.
Latest Arsenal Injury Update: Gabriel Magalhães’ Hamstring Issue and What It Means for the Team
Arsenal has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming clash with Everton, with Gabriel Magalhães suffering a muscle injury during their 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday. The 27-year-old centre-back is now expected to miss crucial matches, including Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park.
While the Gunners will be hopeful of securing a good result against Everton, they will have to do so without their key defender. Gabriel sustained a hamstring injury just 15 minutes into the match against Fulham. After pulling up during a defensive move, he signalled to the bench and was immediately substituted, with Jakub Kiwior taking his place.
Here’s everything you need to know about Gabriel’s injury and its impact on Arsenal:
Gabriel’s Injury During Fulham Clash
Gabriel pulled up with a hamstring issue during Tuesday’s game at the Emirates Stadium. Following a brilliant tackle by Jurrien Timber to break up a counter-attack, Gabriel suddenly stopped, clutching his hamstring. He signalled that he could no longer continue, dropping to the ground before the ball went out of play. The medical team quickly rushed onto the pitch, and Gabriel was assisted off the field, walking unassisted back to the bench for treatment.
Arteta’s Reaction to Gabriel’s Injury
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Gabriel had suffered a hamstring injury. Arteta said: “They [Gabriel and Timber] are two players in this team who never want to come off. Gabi felt something in his hamstring, and we don’t know the extent of it. Jurrien was struggling early in the game, and at some point, he couldn’t continue, so that’s the downside of it.”
He added: “You can imagine, we’ve lost four players in the defensive line in one week—[Riccardo] Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien, and Gabi Magalhães. We still have four others who are so willing to do their job.”
Arsenal’s Official Statement on Gabriel’s Injury
Arsenal later issued an official statement confirming that Gabriel would require surgery for the hamstring injury. The statement read: “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery. Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure in the coming days and begin his recovery and rehabilitation, aiming to be ready for the start of next season. The club will fully support Gabi to ensure he returns to full fitness as soon as possible.”
What Matches Will Gabriel Miss?
Gabriel is now ruled out for the remainder of the season. His absence means he will miss two crucial Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid. In the Premier League, he will also be unavailable for Arsenal’s match against Liverpool at Anfield next month.
Who Will Replace Gabriel?
With Gabriel sidelined, Jakub Kiwior, who replaced him against Fulham, is expected to partner William Saliba at centre-back for the remainder of the season. After the match, Arteta praised Kiwior’s reliability: “The good thing with Jakub is that he’s been very reliable. Every time we need him, he’s always available and does his job. He can play as a left centre-back, a right centre-back, or a left full-back. He’s ready, and he’s got a smile on his face.”
Arteta added: “It’s sad for Gabi, but he really wanted to play as well. He will be fine. If you ask the dressing room, everyone wants to play the next two games and the Real Madrid game—believe me, everyone wants to be on that pitch.”
