Premier League side Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid next week.

In a statement released on the club's official website, the Gunners reported that central defender Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian international picked up the injury during Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday, April 1.

The 27-year-old will undergo surgery to assess the full extent of the injury.

“Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days and will immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim of being ready for the start of next season,” Arsenal stated on their website.

“Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible,” the statement partly added.

The Gunners are set to host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, April 8.

WDN