Arsenal has confirmed that center-back Gabriel will not feature again this season due to a hamstring injury that requires surgical intervention.
The Brazilian international was forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Following medical assessments, the club revealed that the 27-year-old will soon undergo surgery to repair the muscle and begin a rehabilitation process.
A key figure in the Gunners’ backline this season, Gabriel has been named in the starting XI for 28 of their 30 Premier League fixtures, contributing to the league’s most effective defence – conceding just 25 goals.
In an official statement, the club said: “Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation program, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season.”
Absence could affect Arsenal’s performance
Gabriel’s unavailability may significantly affect Arsenal’s form during the closing stages of the season. Statistics from Premier League Injuries suggest that the team’s win rate dips when the Brazilian is not on the pitch.
Since he began his Premier League career, Arsenal have secured victories in 63.5% of the 159 matches in which he has appeared. In contrast, they have managed a win rate of only 40.9% in the 22 games he has missed.
This latest setback adds to a growing number of hamstring issues across the league. So far this season, there have been 119 recorded hamstring injuries – averaging four per round. Last year, the total reached 163, marking the highest figure in five seasons, according to data from Premier Injuries.
Arsenal face season-defining fixtures without key defender
Currently trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 12 points with eight matches remaining, Arsenal faces a critical final stretch without one of their most consistent defenders.
The north London side is also preparing for a major European clash, with Real Madrid awaiting in the Champions League quarter-finals. The first leg is scheduled at the Emirates on 8 April at 20:00 BST, followed by the return match at the Bernabéu on 16 April at the same time.
Gabriel, who previously played for Lille before joining Arsenal, is targeting a return at the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
