Arsenal are set to face Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after cruising past PSV Eindhoven. However, Mikel Arteta’s side has been dealt a major injury setback just a week before the crucial tie.
The Gunners have enjoyed a strong 2024-25 campaign, though the lack of silverware continues to cast a shadow over Arteta’s tenure. With Liverpool pulling away in the Premier League title race, the Champions League presents Arsenal with perhaps their best shot at claiming a major trophy this season.
In the revamped Champions League format, Arsenal have been among the most consistent teams. They finished third in the league phase with six wins, one draw, and one defeat, and followed that up by dismantling PSV 9-3 on aggregate in the round of 16. But ahead of their showdown with Real Madrid, Arsenal’s hopes may be dampened by an untimely injury to a key player.
Gabriel Magalhaes forced off with injury
During Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Matchday 30, star defender Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off the pitch in the 16th minute with an apparent injury. Though the Brazilian walked off under his own power, the early signs suggested a concerning scenario.
As reported by the BBC, Gabriel limped straight down the tunnel after being substituted, with initial signs pointing to a potential hamstring issue. The extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, but his availability for the Champions League quarterfinals is now in serious doubt.
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Adding to Arteta’s defensive concerns, right-back Jurrien Timber was also substituted with an apparent injury, the severity of which is still to be assessed. With Jakub Kiwior likely to step in for Gabriel, Arsenal will need to reshuffle their backline ahead of the high-stakes encounters with Real Madrid on April 8 and 16.
