EPL: Arsenal’s Gabriel’s Season Ended Due To Hamstring Injury

Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid, with Gabriel ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Gunners announced on Thursday that the 27-year-old Brazil centre-back will need surgery to repair the hamstring injury he sustained during their 2-1 Premier League victory over Fulham on Tuesday.

Gabriel, a key figure in Arsenal’s defense in recent seasons, suffered the injury in the 16th minute at the Emirates Stadium and was unable to continue.

Arsenal will host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday, followed by the return leg the following week.

“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,” said an Arsenal statement.

“Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, to be ready for the start of next season.”

Arsenal have the best defense in the Premier League this season, having conceded just 25 goals in 30 games.

However, they remain second in the table, a significant 12 points behind the dominant leaders, Liverpool, with eight games left to play.