After the Brazilian became the third player at the North London club this season to need surgery for a hamstring injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that the damage to centre defender Gabriel Magalhaes was difficult to process.
Following surgery, Gabriel, who picked up the damage in Arsenal’s 2-1 home win against Fulham on Tuesday, will be absent for the remainder of the season. Early in the campaign, Wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli had also had comparable operations.
Along with William Saliba, Gabriel has been Arsenal’s lynchkey in defence; the 27-year-old Brazil international’s injury comes at a time the team is already missing defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
With eight matches left, Arsenal ranks second in the Premier League behind lagging leaders Liverpool by twelve points. Arteta added that although a decision would be taken early on Saturday, White and Jurrien Timber, defenders, might be ready to play against Everton, 15th placed.
Arsenal’s last game at Goodison Park will also be here; Everton is scheduled to depart at the conclusion of the season for their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock. Having captained Everton between 2005 and 2011, Arteta claimed it will be a “very unique” event.
Former Manchester City assistant coach Arteta was also questioned over 33-year-old Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement of his leaving from the team upon contract expiring at the end of the season.
“I rate him among others. Among the top Premier League players is he. (Arteta) Never seen a player that can deliver so perfectly at that fast pace,” he added.
