Arsenal defender Gabriel will miss the remainder of the season after the club confirmed he requires surgery on a hamstring injury.
The Brazilian center-back was forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. A key figure in Mikel Arteta’s defense, Gabriel has featured in 28 of Arsenal’s 30 Premier League matches this season, helping the Gunners maintain the best defensive record in the league with just 25 goals conceded.
Arsenal has announced that the 27-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming days and will immediately begin rehabilitation, with the goal of returning in time for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
“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 club confirmed in a statement.
Gabriel’s absence could have a major impact on Arsenal’s performance. According to Premier League Injuries, Arsenal’s win rate drops significantly when he is not in the lineup. Since his league debut, the Gunners have won 63.5% of the 159 matches he has played, compared to just 40.9% of the 22 he has missed.
His injury also adds to a growing concern in the Premier League. This season has already seen 119 hamstring injuries, averaging four per match round. Last season recorded 163 hamstring injuries, the highest in five years.
Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points with eight games remaining. Meanwhile, the Gunners are preparing for a crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. They will host Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the first leg on April 8 (20:00 BST) before traveling to the Bernabeu for the return fixture on April 16 (20:00 BST).
With Gabriel sidelined, Arsenal faces a crucial period in their season, needing to adjust their defensive setup as they chase silverware both domestically and in Europe.
