Last updated on April 2, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
Gabriel Magalhães was forced off early in the first half with a hamstring injury.
Image credit: B/R Football
Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday, but the win was marred by concerns over several defensive injuries just days before their crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.
The Gunners were boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka, who scored just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.
However, the game also saw their key defender forced off early due to a hamstring injury, adding to the defensive worries.
Gabriel Magalhães, a central figure in Arsenal’s defence, was forced off early in the first half with a hamstring injury.
💥 Think You Know Football? Let’s Prove It – Join the Ultimate EPL Fan Newsletter!
Arteta confirmed that Gabriel “felt something in his hamstring,” though the full extent of the injury remains uncertain.
His departure was a significant blow, as the Brazilian was replaced by Jakub Kiwior just 16 minutes into the match.
Jurrien Timber also suffered a knee injury during the game, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were already sidelined.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the season, Arsenal’s defensive options have been severely limited as they head into their critical Champions League match against Real Madrid on April 8.
Defensive Woes Pile Up for Arteta
Arteta expressed his frustration after the game, highlighting the injury woes that have plagued the team all season.
🚨📸: Arsenal with Gabriel vs Arsenal without Gabriel since his debut 💔 pic.twitter.com/b2L8tZpYVq
— Sxnti (@PeakSxnti) April 2, 2025
“We’ve lost four players in the defensive line in one week – Calafiori, Ben White, Jurrien, and Gabriel,” Arteta said.
Despite the setbacks, the Arsenal boss remained optimistic, praising his team’s resilience: “We want it so much, and we are very excited for the next week.”
The ongoing injury troubles have affected some key players, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz all suffering from hamstring issues this season.
While Saka made a triumphant return in the Fulham game, scoring shortly after coming on as a substitute, Arteta is facing an uphill battle with his depleted defensive squad.
The Impact of Gabriel’s Injury
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood reacted to Gabriel’s injury, warning that it could spell the end of the defender’s season if the damage is serious.
“This is really bad news for Arsenal. If it’s a bad hamstring injury, it could rule him out for the rest of the season,” he said.
Gabriel’s absence would be a major setback for Arsenal, who have relied heavily on his solid partnership with William Saliba in central defence.
The loss of both Gabriel and Timber could leave Arteta with limited options ahead of the crucial double-header against Real Madrid.
What Does This Mean for Arsenal’s Champions League Hopes?
Arsenal’s next four matches are crucial for their league and European aspirations.
Aside from their Champions League fixtures, they will face Everton and Brentford in the Premier League.
Gabriel’s potential absence could significantly impact their defensive stability, especially against a potent attack like Real Madrid’s.
If Gabriel’s injury is severe, Arsenal could be without him for both legs of the Real Madrid tie, leaving Arteta to rely on Kiwior, Saliba, and possibly even young defenders to fill the gaps.
A Silver Lining: Saka’s Return
Despite the defensive woes, the return of Bukayo Saka provided some much-needed relief.
Coming back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three months, Saka marked his return with a goal just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.
His performance lifted the mood at the Emirates, with Arteta praising his immediate impact: “He lifted the stadium, the energy, and it was great to have him back.”
Saka’s quick return to form, along with the improving fitness of Gabriel Martinelli, offers hope for Arsenal’s attacking options.
With both players back in the fold, Arteta’s side will be able to maintain their attacking potency as they navigate a tough run of fixtures.
Looking Ahead
As Arsenal’s injury crisis deepens, Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad for the upcoming battles.
