Former Arsenal loanee Fabian Caballero has passed away at the age of 46, with the club confirming the news on Saturday morning.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND: Fabian Caballero of Dundee battles with Arthur Numan of Rangers during the Tennant's Scottish FA Cup Final match between Dundee United and Glasgow Rangers on May 31, 2003. (Photo By Ben Radford/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND: Fabian Caballero of Dundee battles with Arthur Numan of Rangers during the Tennant’s Scottish FA Cup Final match between Dundee United and Glasgow Rangers on May 31, 2003. (Photo By Ben Radford/Getty Images)

The Paraguayan Football Association announced overnight that Fabian Caballero had passed away, writing that they’re standing with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Arsenal have since confirmed the news, writing on social media: “Everyone at the club is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our former player, Fabian Caballero.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Reports suggest the player collapsed whilst playing futsal with friends in Paraguay.

Fabian Caballero with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)
Fabian Caballero with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)

Caballero played for Arsenal on loan during the 1998/99 season, with the forward joining from Cerro Porteno.

As well as making three senior appearances for Arsenal against Middlesbrough, Preston North End, and Chelsea, Caballero also played a lot of games for the Gunners reserves.

Often playing alongside Nwankwo Kanu, Caballero scored eight goals in 16 for the reserve side.

16 Oct 1999: Nwankwo Kanu scores Arsenal's 4th goal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Everton at Highbury in London, England. Arsenal won the match 4 - 0. Credit: Tony O''Brien /Allsport
16 Oct 1999: Nwankwo Kanu scores Arsenal’s 4th goal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Everton at Highbury in London, England. Arsenal won the match 4 – 0. Credit: Tony O”Brien /Allsport

It didn’t work out for Caballero at Arsenal on a permanent basis, with the player returning to his parent club. But his connection to the Gunners endured, and he was involved with the Arsenal Paraguay supporters club on a regular basis.

Our thoughts are with those close to the player, who is clearly fondly remembered in the Arsenal community.