Arsenal fears defensive crisis as Gabriel suffers injury ahead of Real Madrid clash

In England, Arsenal Football Club is grappling with a defensive crisis just days before the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 8, 2025. During a Premier League match on April 1, Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory against Fulham, but the win was marred by an injury to key defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Gabriel, who has been a vital part of the squad, was forced off in the 16th minute due to what appeared to be a right hamstring injury. This incident has raised concerns regarding his fitness for the crucial upcoming matches, leaving manager Mikel Arteta anxious. Arsenal's injury woes do not end with Gabriel. The team has also faced absences from defenders Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber, compounding the challenges for Arteta ahead of the double-header against Real Madrid. The situation is further complicated by the fact that both Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori did not feature in the match against Fulham. Arteta expressed his worries about Gabriel's injury, stating that it is difficult to assess the severity at this stage, given that he usually avoids leaving the pitch unless absolutely necessary. The source of worry for the club is the possibility of a serious injury. Historically, Arsenal has seen several players suffer significant hamstring injuries this season, which have resulted in lengthy absences. This includes notable players such as Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, both of whom required surgical intervention for their injuries. If Gabriel's condition is similarly acute, it could mean he might miss significant upcoming games, including both matches against Real Madrid, which are crucial for the team's aspirations in European competition this year. Despite these defensive setbacks, Arsenal did receive some positive news with the return of Bukayo Saka, who scored shortly after coming back from an extended injury break. The team hopes to leverage the heightened performance of its attacking players while navigating the challenges in defense leading up to the monumental clash with Real Madrid. As discussions about Gabriel's health progress, Arsenal remains determined to face these obstacles head-on, signaling their commitment to competing fiercely in both domestic and international arenas.