Gabriel Magalhães suffered an injury during Arsenal’s match against Fulham, and the club initially hoped it was a minor issue. The Brazilian has been a crucial figure in the squad throughout his time at the Emirates, and his availability has been vital to their defensive stability.
However, as reported by the Daily Mail, he is now expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season and will only return in time to prepare for the next campaign. This development is a significant setback for Arsenal, who are aiming to win both the Premier League and the Champions League before the season concludes.
The Gunners remain in contention for both trophies and are set to face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next week. Gabriel has been instrumental in defence, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba. His absence means Arsenal will now have to find an alternative solution to contain Real Madrid’s dangerous attacking threats.
Losing a key player at such a crucial stage of the season is far from ideal, and it could disrupt Arsenal’s momentum. However, they have received a boost in attack with the return of Bukayo Saka, reducing concerns in the forward line. That said, without Gabriel at the heart of the defence, Arsenal are more vulnerable to conceding goals.
Jakub Kiwior is expected to step in, but he may not provide the same level of defensive assurance. Additionally, Ben White’s fitness struggles mean that Jurrien Timber will likely be required at right-back, further limiting Mikel Arteta’s options.
Arsenal must now navigate this difficult period without one of their most reliable defenders. His absence could make it harder for them to secure the results needed to surpass Liverpool in the Premier League title race. However, it also presents Kiwior with an opportunity to prove himself and make a meaningful contribution as the team fights for silverware.
Arsenal will now need to find solutions to compensate for Gabriel’s absence and ensure they remain competitive in their pursuit of major honours.
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I thought Timber was out injured too and I’m also worried that Saliba hasn’t looked his usual brilliant self in recent games. Finishing second is now looking extremely difficult.
GB, this injury to Gabriel couldn’t have happened at a more crucial time for The Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
On paper, our hardest game looks to be the away game at pool in the PL, so the work already done that sees us in second place should see us qualify for the CL next season – a must in my opinion.
It’s the two games against RM that will have the most effect on the rest of our season, both financially and how the season is viewed as a whole.
I am certain that, if we had Gabriel, Havertz, Timber, White and Tomiyasu all fully fit for the Madrid games, we would have progressed to the semi final of said CL – no doubt in my mind whatsoever.
But how can ANY manager cope with this conveyor belt of long term injuries that started way back in the season with Tomiyasu and Odegaard?
I hate to write off my club regarding any fixture, but I just cannot see how we can beat Madrid over two legs with such unparrelled injuries.
If I’m correct in my assessment, then we will be hit with a barrage of negativity even more intense than ever regarding Mikel Arteta.
There will be no common sense used with regards to the situation, just the opportunity to slag off the manager.
I’m afraid you’re right Ken1945.
JA gets mobbed the minute there is a loss or a dull draw, but getting a thumbs up for a win draws a blank; the Fulham win being a case in point.
Blindly following Arteta is as daft as being unable to see the good. Like you have put forward, the injuries that have been sustained this season saw many posts suggesting finishing in the top4 would be out of the question. Yet, the team have stuck to their task without the recognised strike force.
I understand your feelings regarding the two matches against Real. It was quiet at the Emirates on Tuesday, so I hope that the crowd get behind the team next week and cheer them on – for 90 minutes.
With the defensive injuries piling up and with Timber and White the only likely (fingers crossed) candidates then the task is herculean.
I can’t remember a season like this one for crucial long term injuries of such important players.
White, Odegaard, Havertz, Jesus, Saka, Gabriel and to a lesser injury extent, Timber, Martinelli and Merino.
Add to that list Tomiyasu who has been as good as missing for the whole season and one can only admire the fact that we are second in the PL and through to the last eight of the CL.
I’m going to the match Tuesday and really do expect there to be an electric atmosphere to begin with and I hope the crowd remain with the players, no matter what.
It’s been said that the Emirates was built for nights like this and to be dealt these injury blows one after another seems so unfair – but that’s football I guess.
Maghales is never irreplaceable at Arsenal. His strength was header goals even that has gone away long before as every opponent learnt his methods. Timber and Calafiori even White can cover adequately. No Maghales, no problem. Saliba need only to learn fast the new pairing. If Heaven did not rush to go to Utd it would have been his time. I hate if his injury is cited as excuses for the hereafter defeats if any.
In a word, “badly”.
The LAST person to replace Gabriel is Kiwior. White, Calafiori or Timber before Kiwior. Gabriel is a big loss but we have very good replacements. Kiwior IS NOT one of them.