After centre back Gabriel Magalhaes became Arsenal’s third player to need hamstring surgery this season, manager Mikel Arteta remarked on Friday that the injury was hard to swallow.
Gabriel, who injured himself in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 home win over Fulham on Tuesday, will miss the season after surgery. Wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli underwent identical procedures earlier in the season. With Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined, Gabriel, 27, has been Arsenal’s pillar in defence with William Saliba.
Arsenal are 12 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League with eight matches left. We just had Bukayo back, so it was hard to digest. The team reacted as usual this season. He’ll be out for a while “Arteta told reporters before Saturday’s Premier League match at Everton.
I don’t think it’s Arsenal-specific, and it’s hard to pinpoint a cause. Four distinct hamstring injuries at the club, he said.
“We have to react to those things and it means other players are going to have chances to play.”
Arteta said defenders White and Jurrien Timber may play against 15th-placed Everton, but a decision will be made early Saturday.
It will be Arsenal’s last game at Goodison Park before Everton move to Bramley-Moore Dock at the end of the season. Former Everton captain Arteta called it “very special” after leading the team from 2005 to 2011.
“Long history between the clubs, a just returned manager, and David Moyes. Second chances are hard “Spain added.
Former Manchester City assistant coach Arteta was also quizzed about 33-year-old Belgian player Kevin De Bruyne’s contract expiration and exit at the conclusion of the season.
