Arsenal have suffered a major setback ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid with Gabriel out for the rest of the season.
The Gunners have confirmed the Brazil defender will require surgery on a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Fulham on Tuesday.
Gabriel, who has been a key player in Arsenal's defence in recent seasons, was injured in the 16th minute and was unable to continue.
The north London side face Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with the return leg eight days later.
Arsenal said in a statement: “Further to the substitution made during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes has suffered a hamstring injury which will require surgery.
“Gabi will undergo surgery on his hamstring in the coming days and will then immediately begin rehabilitation in order to be ready for the start of next season.
“Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to get back to playing as soon as possible.”
Arsenal's Premier League title chances have been dented by key injuries, with manager Mikel Arteta delighted at the return of Bukayo Saka but now without Gabriel for the last 16 clash with the 15-time European Cup winners.
Gabriel's injury, his last of the season, leaves Arsenal with serious defensive issues and there are big doubts over the fitness of Jurrien Timbert, who went down twice clutching his right knee against Fulham before being substituted in the second half, and Ben White.
The latter wasn't even healthy enough to play in Tuesday's lineup, with Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu also out.
Gabriel, who has made 49 appearances for both Arsenal and Brazil this season, was replaced by Jakub Kivir, who made his first league appearance since December.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
