Arsenal fear that key defender Gabriel Magalhães could miss at least a month after suffering a thigh injury while playing for Brazil, dealing a major blow to the Premier League leaders.
The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. After initial confirmation of a muscle injury in his right thigh, Gabriel returned to Arsenal for further tests, which are still ongoing. Although the club has not announced a timeline, he is already ruled out of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham and the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Depending on the severity, Gabriel could miss a crucial run of fixtures, including Premier League games against Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa, plus the Champions League trip to Club Brugge on 10 December. Arsenal also face Wolves and a rescheduled match at Everton before Christmas.
Gabriel has been ever-present in Arsenal’s defence this season, playing every Premier League minute as the team has conceded only five goals in 11 matches. Losing him now, with the club four points clear at the top, is a significant setback. New signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are candidates to step in.
Arsenal also await updates on striker Viktor Gyökeres, who missed the last two games with a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has said Kai Havertz suffered a “minor relapse” in his knee recovery and is expected back toward the end of the year.
With Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined, Arsenal’s squad depth is being tested at a critical stage of their title push.
