Arsenal defender Gabriel ruled out for the season with hamstring injury | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Gabriel has been ruled out for the season with the hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham in a huge blow for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Brazilian was forced off in the first-half of the 2-1 win and will now miss the rest of the campaign.

“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,” Arsenal said in a statement.

“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.”

Gabriel becomes the latest Arsenal player to be sidelined with a hamstring injury this season.

Kai Havertz is also out until the end of the season with a similar injury while Bukayo Saka has just returned after three months out having also undergone hamstring surgery.

It means Gabriel will miss Arsenal’s crucial Champions League quarter-final clashes with Real Madrid, and beyond that too should the Gunners progress.

Gabriel’s absence could open the door for Jakub Kiwior to get more game time. The Poland international replaced Gabriel against Fulham and is the obvious contender to fill the void left by the 27-year-old.

Arteta could also opt to shift Jurrien Timber into central defence, a position he is familiar with.

Ben White is another option to play alongside William Saliba, having also recently returned from his own injury problem.

Riccardo Calafiori can also play in central defence, though is currently sidelined with a knee injury he picked up while on international duty for Italy.

Arsenal’s next game is against Everton on Saturday, before their first-leg with Real Madrid on Tuesday.