In a setback for Arsenal, their key defender Gabriel was forced off the pitch just 16 minutes into their Premier League clash against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Brazilian centre-back appeared to injure his hamstring, leaving the field in discomfort and being replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
The injury could not have come at a worse time for Mikel Arteta’s squad, who currently sit second in the league standings. Arsenal face a challenging week ahead, with an away trip to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, followed by a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final first-leg match against Real Madrid at home on Tuesday.
This season has been plagued by injuries for the Gunners. Star winger Bukayo Saka only recently returned to action against Fulham after a three-month absence due to a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Gabriel, a linchpin in Arsenal’s defense alongside William Saliba, has been a standout performer this term, featuring in 28 Premier League matches and contributing three goals.