Blow for Arsenal as Gabriel, Timber set for time on sidelines

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits that a potential injury to key defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber is a massive blow to their end of season hopes.

The Brazil defender lasted only 16 minutes of the 2-1 English Premier League victory over Fulham before he pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury.

Gabriel immediately signaled his discomfort to the bench and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

With the UEFA Champions League quarter final versus Real Madrid just around the corner, his absence is a major blow for the Gunners, who have had an injury hit season.

Dutch defender Jurien Timber was also forced off in the second half and Arteta was clear on what issues they would potentially face.

"Gabriel felt something in his hamstring, we don’t know how big that is”, he said in the aftermath of the Fulham win.

"Jurrien Timber was already struggling early. He couldn’t continue. We will now assess both players tomorrow."

“There are two players in this team that never want to come off and it’s those two, probably. Calafiori, Ben White, Jurriën and Gabriel Magalhãess. You can imagine with those four players in the defensive line in one week. We have still another four that are so bloody willing that they will do their job," Arteta explained.

Despite the injuries, Arsenal have a lot to play for in the coming weeks. They are still hoping to secure a top four place in the league and as well face Madrid next week. Arteta is looking forward.

“The good thing is that it’s been like this the whole season. You see Martinelli today, we missed him for three months. You see Bukayo, Kai Havertz four months. Gabi Jesus, almost the whole season. It’s what it is. We want it so much that we’re going to give it a real go and we are very excited for the next week," said the manager.

They travel to Everton on Saturday in the Premier League before playing host to Madrid in their first leg clash Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium.