Big boost for Real Madrid as star Arsenal defender ruled out for the entire season | OneFootball

The coming month is stacked with high-voltage fixtures for Real Madrid across all competitions and their run of form may well define how their season turns out.

For starters, they must lock horns with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final later this month, Before that, however, they face a still challenge in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League against Premier League giants Arsenal.

Earlier today, it came to light that Carlo Ancelotti may be without Antonio Rudiger for the first-leg of the key European clash. Arsenal, however, have also been dealt a massive defensive blow which is far worse than Real Madrid’s petty concern.

Boost for Real Madrid?

As confirmed by ever-reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano earlier today, star Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out until the end of the season in what comes as devastating news for Mikel Arteta’s plans.

The Frenchman suffered a serious hamstring injury and will require surgery as part of his treatment regimen. He will thus play no part for Arsenal until the start of next season.

Gabriel Magalhaes to miss both legs against Real Madrid (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Needless to say, the news confirms that the player will not be available for either of Arsenal’s games against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and it is a massive boost for Los Blancos.

Gabriel, after all, is Arsenal’s leading defender and the men in white can look to latch on to the void left by his absence. For a forward line comprising Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes, news of Gabriel’s injury almost arrives as a red carpet invitation.

The situation is far from ideal and Real Madrid would have liked to make it through playing against the Gunners’ best players. Given the situation, however, it is a no-brainer that Real Madrid will look to capitalize on Gabriel’s absence.

So far this season, Gabriel made 28 league appearances for Arsenal and oversaw ten clean sheets in the process. Further, he averaged over seven defensive actions per game and racked up four goal contributions.