Arsenal`s plans for the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid are in trouble. It`s confirmed that center back Gabriel will be out for the rest of the season with a serious hamstring injury.
Gabriel, who has been a key player for Arsenal, was injured during their 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday. This hamstring injury is severe enough to require surgery, making him the third Arsenal player this season to need this type of operation. Bukayo Saka recently returned from a hamstring issue, and Kai Havertz has been sidelined since February and will also miss the rest of the season.
Arsenal stated that Gabriel will have surgery on his hamstring soon and begin his recovery program. The club`s goal is to have him ready for the start of next season. They are focused on supporting Gabriel to ensure he recovers fully as quickly as possible.
This injury to Gabriel adds to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta`s defensive concerns before the first leg against Real Madrid next Tuesday. Riccardo Calafiori is likely to miss both legs due to a knee injury sustained during international games. Ben White also missed the Fulham game with a knee problem. White has only played 16 times this season due to a previous knee surgery in November.
Arsenal is also waiting to find out the extent of Jurrien Timber`s knee injury from the Fulham match. He had scans after a collision. The club hopes it`s not a serious issue.
With Timber and White potentially unavailable, Arsenal might have to use Thomas Partey at right back and partner Jakub Kiwior with William Saliba in central defense. They will need to find a way to defend against Real Madrid`s dangerous attacking players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
