Injured Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for remainder of season

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães will miss the remainder of the season after the club confirmed he requires hamstring surgery.

The Brazilian was substituted in the first half of Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates on Tuesday.

Having started 28 of Arsenal's 30 Premier League matches this season, Gabriel has been a key figure in helping the club achieve the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 25 goals.

Arsenal have announced that the 27-year-old is expected to return 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 goal of being ready for the start of next season," the club said in a statement.

Gabriel's absence could be a significant blow for the team, as Arsenal’s win percentage drops noticeably when he is not on the pitch. According to Premier League Injuries, the Gunners have won 63.5% of the 159 matches Gabriel has played in, compared to just 40.9% of the 22 games he has missed.

This marks the 119th hamstring injury in the Premier League this season, averaging four injuries per matchweek. Last season saw a record 163 hamstring injuries, the highest in five years, according to Premier Injuries.

Currently second in the Premier League, Arsenal are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with eight matches remaining. The Gunners will also face defending champions Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled for 8 April (20:00 BST) at the Emirates, and the second leg on 16 April (20:00 BST) at the Bernabeu.