Gabriel Magalhaes will require surgery on a torn hamstring after limping out of the action just 16 minutes into the game against Fulham [Daniela Porcelli/SPP]

MIKEL Arteta is doing a good job at remaining optimistic in challenging circumstances.

The Arsenal manager has had to deal with an absurd number of injuries in recent months. So perhaps it should have come as little surprise when the news broke yesterday (Thursday) that another key player has been ruled out for the season.

Gabriel Magalhaes will require surgery on a torn hamstring after limping out of the action just 16 minutes into the game against Fulham on Tuesday night at the Emirates.

Targeting a summer return, a club statement read: “Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season.

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

Gabriel’s injury continues a worrying trend for the Gunners, who have already seen Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz all sidelined for lengthy spells with similar issues – with both Saka and Havertz also having to go under the knife.

Another setback was the last thing Arteta needed ahead of the titanic showdown against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, especially with Jurrien Timber also struggling for fitness.

But the Spaniard is doing his best to remain upbeat, and is adamant that the defensive unit that he sends out will “do their job”.

Speaking before he discovered the full extent of Gabriel’s injury, Arteta said: “The good thing is that it’s been like this the whole season. You see Martinelli today [against Fulham], was missing for three months. You see Bukayo, four months.

“How we have managed to be where we are with all those injuries… Ben White hasn’t participated at all this season. It’s what it is.”

Looking ahead to the European challenge that awaits, Arteta added: “You can imagine, we’ve lost four players in the defensive line in one week – [Riccardo] Calafiori, Ben, Jurrien and Gabi. We have still another four that are so willing that they will do their job.

“We want it so much that we’re going to give it a real go and we are very excited.”

If there was one incalculable positive, it was the return of Saka, who scored within seven minutes of his comeback to help Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.

It was an emotional moment for Gooners, who haven’t seen their superstar out on the pitch since December.

“I think it’s a beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect and admire Bukayo,” said Arteta. “He’s not a surprise to any of us and I think the best example is his reaction.

“Immediately after scoring a goal, what does he do? He goes and says thank you for all the hard work that all the sports science guys, physios and everybody involved in the recovery have done for him to be in the condition that he is.

“I think he lifted the stadium, and it’s great to have him back.”