Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes sends message to Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes has taken to social media with a new message for the Arsenal supporters after suffering a crushing injury.
The 27-year-old could play no further part in the Gunners’ 2-1 win against Fulham on Tuesday, 1 April, limping off with a hamstring issue just 16 minutes into the game.
It was a bittersweet game, with Bukayo Saka returning to the pitch for Arsenal for the first time since December, but it was incredibly bad timing for Mikel Arteta to lose one of his star centre-backs.
Mikel Merino and Saka were the goalscorers, keeping the Cottagers at bay before Rodrigo Muniz’s added-time consolation goal, but it is Arsenal’s clash against Real Madrid that has most worried.
The London side could reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since the 2008/09 season, but a rather difficult match-up against the competition’s most prestigious club awaits.
Gabriel Magalhaes remains positive despite crushing injury blow
Taking to Instagram [4 April], Gabriel vowed: “I’ll be back soon, stronger than ever. Until then, I’ll be supporting the team every step of the way,” with heart and flexed muscle emojis.
Playing alongside the defender at international level with Brazil, Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes replied: “Speedy recovery, my brother,” with praise and praying emojis.
Arsenal face an incredibly difficult clash against Real Madrid
Football Insider verdict
Losing one of the Gunners’ best players right before a quarter-final tie against Los Blancos is rather unlucky, but the squad have more than enough talent to battle through to the next round.
Real Madrid could be without star players against Arsenal, however, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side facing potential bans due to some offensive celebrations following their win over Atletico Madrid.
| Arsenal’s possible journey to Champions League final | Dates |
| Arsenal v Real Madrid | 8 April |
| Real Madrid v Arsenal | 16 April |
| Arsenal v PSG/Aston Villa | 29 April |
| Aston Villa/PSG v Arsenal | 6 May |
Despite missing some key players, the Gunners have lost just two of their last 16 matches across all competitions, which is certainly enough momentum to carry them into the semi-finals.
The Premier League title has not been an option for a number of weeks, even if the players refuse to give up the chase on Liverpool, so all attention should now shift to European football.
Arteta is quickly running out of time to impress at Arsenal, but if he can bring silverware back to the Emirates, there is no reason why fans should be looking to replace him this summer.