Real Madrid have been handed a potential advantage ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal, as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes picked up what appears to be a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham.
It must be noted that the Gunners were recently buoyed by the return of Bukayo Saka, who marked his comeback by scoring just seven minutes into the match.
However, their celebrations were short-lived as Magalhaes was forced to leave the pitch in the 16th minute after pulling up with an apparent hamstring issue while sprinting back towards his own goal.
The Brazilian centre-back was visibly in pain, clutching the back of his right leg before being replaced by Jakub Kiwior.
Jurrien Timber was taken off too
Adding to Mikel Arteta’s defensive worries, Jurrien Timber was also forced off with a knee injury during the same match, further depleting Arsenal’s defensive options.
With Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori both absent from the squad, Arteta now faces a potential defensive crisis just days before Arsenal’s crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
“Gabi felt something in his hamstring. I don’t know what happened,” Arteta admitted in his post-match press conference, acknowledging the severity of the situation as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“He was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue, but at some point, he couldn’t.
“I hope it’s nothing because he’s undoubtedly our best player this season, and we need him in the important games,” said the Arsenal manager.
If the hamstring injury is confirmed, all signs point to Magalhaes missing both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 8 and 16.
This news could be a significant blow to Arsenal’s chances as they look to shore up their defence against a Real Madrid side known for their attacking prowess.
Without their key defender, Arsenal will have to dig deep to keep Madrid’s potent attack at bay.
