Gabriel Magalhaes has delivered a defiant message to Arsenal fans following confirmation of his season-ending hamstring injury.
The Brazilian was forced off the pitch during the first half of the Gunners' Premier League victory over Fulham midweek. He played on, despite some discomfort, but couldn't continue and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior on the 16 minute mark.
Arsenal confirmed the extent of the injury on Thursday, revealing he will be out for the remainder of the campaign.
The news comes as a major blow to Mikel Arteta 's side due to the fact they are preparing for a huge Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid this month.
The statement released by the club read: "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."
On Friday, the defender broke his silence, insisting he intends to come back stronger. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote: "I'll be back soon, stronger than ever. Until then, I'll be supporting the team every step of the way."
Gabriel has been an integral figure for Arsenal since his arrival at the club from Lille in 2020. In recent years, he has formed a formidable centre back partnership with William Saliba.
This season, Gabriel started all 28 of his Premier League games, missing just two with a minor knee injury back in December. Now, the Gunners must navigate one of the most crucial periods of the campaign without a key player.
The timing of the injury comes at a bad time for Arteta, with Jurrien Timber also picking up a knock in the win over Fulham.
"With both of them, because they are two players in this team that never want to come off, are those two probably and Gabi felt something in his hamstring," Arteta admitted in a press conference.
"We don't know how big that is and with Jurrien as well. He was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue, at some point he couldn't. So that's the downside to it."
Arsenal take on Everton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, which will be followed by the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Next weekend, they host Brentford at the Emirates Stadium before the away leg at the Bernabeu.
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