Arsenal confirm key player ruled out for rest of the season

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s match against Fulham.

The Brazilian centre-back is set to undergo surgery to address the issue.

The Gunners do not expect Gabriel to be fit for selection until the start of next season.

This setback adds to Mikel Arteta’s challenges, as the Arsenal manager also had to cope with Jurrien Timber being forced off during the same match against the Cottagers.

“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, a club statement read.

“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.”

Gabriel was forced to leave the pitch just 16 minutes into the match at the Emirates after pulling up while racing back to defend.

The 27-year-old, who has developed a strong partnership with William Saliba in recent seasons, was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

This injury setback comes as Arsenal is already dealing with injuries to key players, including Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori.

Arteta told BBC Radio Five Live after the game: “He felt something, he’s not sure how bad it is. The fact that he could not continue is not a good sign, obviously.

“But we had to adapt, Jurrien was the same, we lost Ben (White) yesterday. Unfortunately it’s been the narrative throughout the season, but let’s keep working and see how he is.”