Arsenal have been rocked by the news that Gabriel needs surgery on his injured hamstring and will miss the rest of the season.
Gabriel was forced off during Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham and scans have revealed bad news.
The Brazilian centre-back will miss Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid and has been ruled out until next season.
Arsenal say Gabriel is aiming to return to first-team action in time for the start of next season.
An Arsenal statement on Thursday read: “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes 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.”
Losing Gabriel is a major blow for Arsenal, who face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next Tuesday before the return leg at the Bernabeu on 16 April.
