The Brazilian international suffered the injury during Arsenal's midweek victory over Fulham, requiring surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
Club Confirmation and Recovery Timeline
"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," Arsenal confirmed in an official statement on Thursday. The club has pledged its full support to Gabriel during his rehabilitation.
Injury Woes Plague Arsenal's Season
Gabriel's absence adds to a growing list of key players sidelined by injuries this season, impacting Arsenal's consistency and title aspirations. Notable players who faced lengthy absences include:
- Martin Odegaard: Ruled out for significant parts of the season.
- Bukayo Saka: Returned to action against Fulham after a four-month absence.
- Kai Havertz: Also ruled out for the remainder of season due to a hamstring injury.
The recurring hamstring injuries within the squad raises questions about the physical demands and recovery protocols within the club.
Impact on Arsenal's Season
With only eight Premier League games remaining, Arsenal faces an uphill battle to close the 12-point gap to league leaders Liverpool. Gabriel's absence will force manager Mikel Arteta to reshuffle his defensive lineup, potentially impacting the team's stability at a crucial stage of the season. The loss of such a key defender, combined with the earlier injuries to other key players, has severely impacted the team’s ability to compete for the title.