Gabriel Magalhaes and Reiss Nelson are back. Two names that had gone quiet for months due to injuries, surgeries, setbacks, and silence are now making noise again—not with words, but with their feet. In Spain, under the heat of the summer sun and surrounded by teammates preparing for the next campaign, these two Arsenal stars were spotted in action, finally holding the ball, running with purpose, and sending a silent but powerful message to fans: We’re coming back.
The 2024/25 season had ended with frustration and pain for many Arsenal players, and Gabriel Magalhaes and Reiss Nelson were two of the biggest casualties. Their injuries had come at important moments, times when the team needed everyone fit. Gabriel, a rock at the back, had gone down with a serious hamstring injury on April 1st. There was no joke about it—it was bad enough that he had to undergo surgery. Reiss Nelson, full of energy and hope during his loan spell at Fulham, also suffered a similar hamstring issue that forced him off the pitch and straight into the operating room.
Since then, fans had been waiting, watching, and hoping for updates. But now, finally, during Arsenal’s pre-season trip to Spain, those hopes have been answered. Both players have been spotted in full training sessions. No longer on the sidelines, no longer just jogging without the ball—this time, they had the ball at their feet. And that alone is a huge step forward.
Gabriel couldn’t hide his excitement. Taking to Instagram, he posted a photo of himself in training with the caption, *“Happy to be back. Let’s go!!”* For a player who has become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s defense, that short sentence carried weight. It meant recovery. It meant resilience. It meant redemption.
Gabriel’s injury had come during a vital stage of last season. Arsenal were still fighting on multiple fronts, and the Brazilian defender’s presence at the back had been one of the main reasons for their defensive solidity. Losing him hurt—both emotionally and tactically. The team tried to cope, others stepped in, but his absence was felt. The surgery that followed confirmed the seriousness of the injury. Hamstring injuries can be tricky—they demand rest, patience, and then cautious rebuilding. But now, more than three months after going under the knife, Gabriel seems ready to begin the final stretch of that journey.
Interestingly, in one of the behind-the-scenes clips released by Arsenal, Gabriel was seen talking to new signing Christian Norgaard. In the video, Gabriel confidently told the midfielder that he would be back “soon.” That word, *soon*, held promise—not just for Gabriel, but for Arsenal as a whole.
That’s a powerful and inspiring update for Arsenal fans — especially given how critical **Gabriel Magalhães** and **Reiss Nelson** can be to Mikel Arteta’s squad when fully fit. Here’s a quick **summary and reflection** on what this comeback means:
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### 🔴 **Gabriel Magalhães – The Defensive Anchor Returns**
* **Injury Recap**: Suffered a serious hamstring injury on April 1st, underwent surgery.
* **Importance**: Before his injury, Gabriel was one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, forming a solid partnership with William Saliba. His physicality, aerial presence, and aggressive defending were sorely missed in the run-in.
* **Comeback Signs**:
* Returned to full training in Spain.
* Instagram post: *“Happy to be back. Let’s go!!”* — a clear message of intent and motivation.
* Behind-the-scenes moment with Christian Nørgaard shows Gabriel’s belief in a timely return.
> ✅ **Impact**: His return could restore Arsenal’s defensive shape and leadership at the back just in time for the 2024/25 campaign kickoff.
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### 🔴 **Reiss Nelson – The Comeback Underdog**
* **Injury Recap**: Sustained a hamstring injury during a loan spell at Fulham; also required surgery.
* **Potential Role**: Nelson remains a fan favorite for his flair, versatility, and ability to produce in clutch moments. If he stays fit and motivated, he could be a valuable rotational winger or impact substitute.
* **Comeback Signs**:
* Seen running, dribbling, and working with teammates in training sessions in Spain.
* His silence over the months now replaced by determination on the pitch.
> ✅ **Impact**: Though not a starter currently, Reiss has the talent to compete for minutes, especially with competitions like the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League group stages requiring depth.
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### 🌟 **Bigger Picture for Arsenal**
* Mikel Arteta’s squad suffered from depth issues in the final stages of last season.
* The returns of **Gabriel** and **Nelson** could:
* Bolster defensive consistency.
* Add width and pace in attacking areas.
* Reduce reliance on overused players like Bukayo Saka and Ben White.
* With Arsenal also active in the transfer market and now regaining key injured stars, the 2024/25 campaign is shaping up to be an exciting one.
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Would you like a projected lineup for Arsenal’s first Premier League match if both Gabriel and Nelson are declared fit?
