Credits: X/@Arsenal

Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Two Crucial Arsenal Players Injured Ahead of Champions League Quarterfinal

While the return of Bukayo Saka was a major boost, the Gunners were dealt a double injury blow ahead of their clash against Real Madrid.

Credits: X/@Arsenal

Bukayo Saka marked his long-awaited return from injury in style, netting just seven minutes after coming off the bench as he helped Arsenal secure a 2-1 victory over Fulham. The England international had been sidelined for 101 days, but he wasted no time in reminding fans of his elite quality. Introduced in the second half with the Gunners holding a 1-0 lead, Saka headed home Gabriel Martinelli’s flick at the far post to double Arsenal’s advantage.

Fulham, who had been second-best for most of the contest, grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time. It was a deserved victory for Arsenal as they solidified their hold on the second position in the Premier League.

Another winning night in N5 ✨

Enjoy the highlights from our 2-1 victory over Fulham 📺 pic.twitter.com/3qKzidDhsU
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 1, 2025

Arsenal Suffer Double Injury Blow

While the return of Bukayo Saka was a major boost for Arsenal, the Gunners were dealt a double injury blow ahead of next week’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid. Arsenal centre-back Gabriel was forced off just 16 minutes into the match after he pulled up while sprinting back towards his own goal.

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The Brazilian appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was immediately replaced by Jakub Kiwior. Arsenal have already seen Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz suffer hamstring injuries this season. Arsenal later confirmed that Gabriel will miss the remainder of the season as he requires hamstring surgery. The 27-year-old will aim to return to action in time for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Gabriel is a crucial player for the Gunners having formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. The duo have played a crucial role this season, helping their team to 11 clean sheets in the Premier League.

Medical update: Gabriel Magalhaes
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 3, 2025

To add to Arteta’s woes, Netherlands international Jurrien Timber was also forced off in the second half with a knee problem. Timber was seen grimacing in pain as he clutched the back of his right leg. Both Gabriel and Timber are likely to miss the quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.

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“They are two players in this team that never want to come off,” Arteta said after the match. “Gabi felt something in his hamstring, we don’t know how big that is and with Jurrien as well, he was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue and at some point he couldn’t.“

With Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori already sidelined, and Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the season, these two injuries are a big blow to Arsenal’s defensive options at a crucial point of the season. The timing of these injuries couldn’t have been worse, leaving Arteta with another headache in an already-depleted backline.

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Arsenal vs Fulham

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Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.