Gabriel Magalhaes Ruled Out for Season, Set to Undergo Hamstring Surgery

Arsenal have been dealt a big blow in their title and European push – Gabriel Magalhães will miss the rest of the season after picking up a serious hamstring injury that now requires surgery. The club confirmed the news on Thursday, just days after the Brazilian defender limped off early during their 2-1 win over Fulham.

Gabriel lasted only 16 minutes at Craven Cottage before being replaced by Jakub Kiwior, and after the game, Mikel Arteta didn’t hide his concern, saying he was “worried” about the extent of the injury. Now, the worst has been confirmed. In a statement, Arsenal 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. Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.” 

Surgery means this isn’t your average tweak or strain – it’s likely a high-grade tear or even an avulsion, where the tendon is either badly damaged or detached from the bone entirely. While surgery is a more invasive approach, especially for a player of Gabriel’s level, the procedure significantly lowers the risk of future injuries and helps protect long-term performance. Recovery from hamstring surgery usually takes around 12 to 16 weeks, which essentially rules Gabriel out for the rest of the season and possibly a good chunk of Arsenal’s summer pre-season. 

The timing couldn’t be worse. Gabriel has featured in 42 games for the Gunners this season and had become the cornerstone of their backline. Losing him now leaves Arteta scrambling, especially with the Champions League quarterfinals just around the corner. And it’s not just Gabriel. Arsenal’s injury list is starting to look like a full starting XI. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out for the rest of the campaign, while key names like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Ben White, and Gabriel Martinelli have all spent significant time on the sidelines this season. 

It’s a brutal run of injuries that’s taken a clear toll on Arsenal’s push to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League crown. However, next up for the Gunners is a tricky trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday, followed by a massive night at the Emirates when Real Madrid come calling on 8th April for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.