by Mikel Areta admitted that Gabriel’s injury was “difficult for digestion” for Arsenal at the end of the season.
The Brazilian was deposed against Fulham with a thigh injury early on Tuesday evening, and the club has confirmed since then that it has to be operated on.
Gabriel’s campaign prepared this prematurely and put a big blow against Real Madrid before her quarter -finals of the Champion League.
It meant that it was a mixed night for Arsenal when they defeated Fulham, with Bukayo Saka achieving his long -awaited return from his own thigh injury, only so that the Gunners could lose a key player over a longer period of time.
“Well, it was difficult to digest because [we] I came back Bukayo and lose Gabi, ”said Areta and spoke at his press conference before Arsenal’s trip to Everton on Saturday.
“The team reacted as if they had all the season very proud. We know that he will get out for a while, so we have to find different solutions and continue to compete like the whole season.”
Gabriel’s absence could give Jakub Kiwior an opportunity alongside William Saliba, although Ben White is likely to be exposed to Real Madrid against Real Madrid and could instead fill it out in Center-Back.
Riccardo Calafiori would have been the obvious option as a replacement for the left foot for Gabriel, but the Italian is still no longer there with a knee injury he took during the latest international break.
“We have come so far and now we have the most important and most beautiful part of the season,” said Arteta.
“We have to react. Another player will have the opportunity to play. It’s a big Miss, but we have the resources to finish.”
