Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is struggling to come to terms with the injury of Gabriel, the third player to undergo surgery this season.
Injuries have left Arsenal unable to field a full-strength squad this season. As one player recovers, another gets injured. Just as Bukayo Saka returned, Gabriel Magalhães picked up a hamstring injury. Losing the Brazilian defender has been particularly hard for Arteta to accept.
Gabriel sustained the injury early in the 2-1 win over Fulham last Tuesday. Arsenal later confirmed that he would need surgery and would miss the remainder of the season.
This marks the third Arsenal player to undergo surgery this season due to injury, after Saka and Gabriel Martinelli had operations at the start of the campaign.
In addition to Gabriel’s injury, Arsenal is already missing three defenders due to injuries: Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori, England’s Ben White, and Japan’s Takehiro Tomiyasu. Arteta’s frustration is evident as he reflects on the significant blow to the team.
Ahead of Saturday’s match against Everton, Arteta spoke about the injury situation.
“Just as Bukayo Saka returns from his injury, Gabriel’s injury is incredibly difficult to digest. The team has shown resilience all season, but now he’s out for a long time.”
“I don’t think this is something specific to Arsenal, and it’s hard to view it in a linear way. We have four different injuries, and we need to react accordingly. It means other players will get their chance to play.”
Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League, behind Liverpool at the top.
