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.
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While Gabriel is the enforcer at the back, Reiss Nelson is the firecracker in the attack. His story is a little different. After struggling to find consistent minutes at Arsenal, Nelson had been loaned to Fulham to get more playing time, to rediscover his spark. And for a while, it looked like it was working. But then, the injury hit. Another hamstring blow. Another operation. Another long road back. But now, five months later, Nelson is back training with Arsenal, back among friends, back with the ball at his feet.
The return of both players during this pre-season tour is no small thing. Pre-season is not just about fitness—it’s about rhythm, chemistry, sharpness. It’s the place where foundations are laid for the long campaign ahead. And to have both Gabriel and Nelson involved at this stage means they could be ready sooner than expected.
Of course, no one at Arsenal will want to rush them. These are sensitive injuries. The medical team will be careful. Mikel Arteta knows how important these two players are, and he also knows that patience now could mean strength later. But just seeing them train with the ball, sharing smiles, working hard, and feeling part of the squad again—that’s a major step forward.
For Gabriel, his place in the team is almost guaranteed. He has become one of the first names on the team sheet, forming a solid partnership with William Saliba. His physicality, aerial strength, and calmness under pressure have turned him into a fan favorite and one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. The idea of having him back fully fit for the start of the new season will be music to Arteta’s ears.
Reiss Nelson, on the other hand, has more to prove. His Arsenal journey has been full of highs and lows. From scoring wonder goals to struggling for minutes, Nelson has lived every emotion possible in North London. But this season might be different. With some players likely to leave and others recovering from fatigue, the door might be open for Nelson to finally stake his claim. His pace, dribbling, and ability to play on either wing give him a unique skillset that Arsenal can use—especially in the tightly packed fixture list of the Premier League and Champions League.
It’s also worth remembering that Arsenal ended last season with several injury concerns. Apart from Gabriel and Nelson, other key players were also dealing with knocks and fatigue. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Thomas Partey all had their moments of discomfort. But now, as the team regroups in Spain, there’s a sense of fresh energy, of healing, and of renewed focus. The return of Gabriel and Nelson is just part of a bigger story—one of recovery, ambition, and preparation.
Pre-season tours are also about bonding. The sun-soaked training sessions, the team dinners, the tactical briefings—this is where new relationships are built and old ones are strengthened. For players like Christian Norgaard, it’s a chance to integrate. For returning stars like Gabriel and Nelson, it’s a chance to reconnect. And for Arteta, it’s an opportunity to see his full squad taking shape.
The road back from injury is never easy. It requires mental strength, physical effort, and emotional support. Both Gabriel and Nelson have leaned on all three. From the operating room to the treatment table, from walking slowly to jogging lightly, and now from running freely to training with the ball—the journey has been long. But now, they’re almost there.
Fans will be eager to see them in action during the upcoming friendlies. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, those appearances will mark a new beginning. Every touch of the ball, every sprint, every tackle will be watched with hopeful eyes.
It’s also important to highlight that Arsenal’s medical staff deserves credit. Injuries are part of football, but the way a club handles recovery can make all the difference. In this case, they’ve guided Gabriel and Nelson back step by step, not rushing, not gambling. And now, their careful work is paying off.
As the season approaches, Arsenal’s goals are clear—win trophies, compete at the highest level, and build a team capable of challenging the best. To do that, they’ll need every player fit and firing. Gabriel’s return strengthens the defense. Nelson’s comeback adds depth to the attack. And most importantly, their presence boosts the spirit of the entire squad.
Football is full of setbacks. What matters is how players respond. Gabriel and Nelson have responded with silence, with sweat, and with strength. They’ve let their recovery do the talking. And now, in Spain, surrounded by teammates and supported by staff, they’re ready to begin again.
There’s a quiet determination in their eyes. The kind that comes from spending too much time watching from the sidelines. The kind that burns when you hear the crowd but can’t play. That fire is now turning into action. Gabriel and Nelson are not just back on the grass. They’re back where they belong—inside the heart of Arsenal.
For the fans, this is more than just an injury update. It’s a story of resilience. A story of two players who refused to give up. A story of hope. And as the new season draws near, Arsenal fans will be watching closely, cheering loudly, and believing deeply—because with Gabriel and Nelson back, the Gunners just got stronger. In the world of football, every comeback tells a story. This one is still being written. But so far, it’s a beautiful one.
