Arsenal star Gabriel forced off injured just one week before Real Madrid clash

Arsenal defender Gabriel has been forced off with what appears to be a hamstring injury in Tuesday's clash with - just one week before the Gunners play .

The Brazilian defender pulled up with the problem in the early exchanges of the clash, and after dropping down to the turf he was eventually taken off after 16 minutes and replaced by the Polish international Jakub Kiwior. The blow comes seven days before the Gunners welcome Real to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their quarter-final.

Commentating on the match on Radio Five Live, the former Premier League forward Glenn Murray said: "It feels as though Arsenal's season has revolved around injuries. Just one major player missing after another.

"Watching Gabriel limp around the back of the goal it will be devastating for and his side going into the huge challenges against the Real Madrid "Galacticos"."

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The Gunners would soon suffer another injury scare when Gabriel's fellow defender Jurrien Timber pulled up with what looked to be a knee injury. The Dutch international was treated on the pitch for a few minutes, but was able to continue.

came into the match reflecting on some positive injury news, with returning to a Gunners matchday squad for the first time in 19 matches.

The wide man had been sidelined for 101 days with the hamstring injury he picked up in the Gunners' Premier League clash at on December 21.

Arsenal boss Arteta told : "Great to have him back, we missed him. He's a very important player for us. He's back, he's ready. It was a hard decision to put him on the bench when a player like that is available, but I think it was the right decision for the first game back."

Defender was absent from the Arsenal squad though, with Arteta adding: "He had a little niggle two days ago. Yesterday we tried, he wasn't feeling right so we decided not to put him in the squad."

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