Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid, as key defender Gabriel has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The club confirmed that Gabriel, who sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Fulham on Tuesday, will require surgery.

The Brazilian defender went down in the 16th minute of the match and was forced to leave the field.

Arsenal’s medical team later revealed that Gabriel’s injury is serious enough to require a surgical procedure.

He will undergo surgery in the coming days and begin his rehabilitation with the goal of being ready for the start of next season.

Arsenal’s quarter-final against Real Madrid is set to begin with the first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday, followed by the return leg eight days later.

In their official statement, the club said: “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery. 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.”

The injury is a significant setback for Arsenal, as Gabriel has been a key figure in their defense throughout the season.

The club’s focus now shifts to supporting him through his recovery as they prepare for the challenges ahead without his services.

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