Arsenal defender Gabriel will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing hamstring surgery. The Brazilian defender suffered the injury during the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Gabriel has been a key player for Arsenal this season, starting 28 of the team’s 30 Premier League matches and helping the club to the best defensive record in the division with 25 goals conceded.

The 27-year-old’s absence is expected to have a significant impact on the team, with data from Premier League Injuries suggesting that Arsenal’s win percentage drops significantly when he does not feature. Since his league debut, Arsenal have won 63.5% of the 159 games Gabriel has played, but only 40.9% of the 22 games he has missed.

Gabriel’s injury is the 119th hamstring injury in the Premier League this season, with an average of four injuries to the muscle per round of games. Last season saw 163 hamstring injuries, the highest in five years, according to figures from Premier Injuries.

Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with eight matches remaining. The Gunners also face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled for April 8 at the Emirates Stadium.

The club has confirmed that Gabriel will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days and will begin his recovery and rehabilitation program. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Gabriel’s absence will be a significant blow to Arsenal’s title bid, but the team will look to rally behind their injured defender and push on with their remaining matches. The Gunners will need to find a way to maintain their defensive solidity without Gabriel, who has been a crucial member of the team this season.