Arsenal defender Gabriel will miss the rest of the season as he requires hamstring surgery, the club has confirmed.
The Brazilian was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Gabriel, who joined from Lille, has been a key figure in Arsenal’s defense this season, starting 28 of their 30 Premier League matches and contributing to the league’s best defensive record, with just 25 goals conceded.
Arsenal stated that the 27-year-old aims to be fit in time for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
“Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure on his hamstring in the coming days and will immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation, with the goal of being ready for next season,” the club announced.
His absence could be a major blow for Arsenal, as data from Premier League Injuries suggests the team’s win rate drops significantly without him. Since his league debut, Arsenal have won 63.5% of the 159 matches he has played, compared to just 40.9% of the 22 he has missed.
Gabriel’s injury is the 119th hamstring issue recorded in the Premier League this season, averaging four per matchweek. Last season saw 163 hamstring injuries – the highest in five years, according to Premier Injuries.
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with eight matches remaining.
The Gunners are also preparing for a Champions League quarter-final clash against holders Real Madrid, with the first leg at the Emirates on 8 April (20:00 BST) and the return fixture at the Bernabeu on 16 April (20:00 BST).
