Arsenal are bracing for a major setback after Gabriel Magalhães suffered a thigh injury while on international duty, with the defender expected to miss at least a month at a pivotal stage of the season.
The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium and has since undergone tests confirming a muscle injury in his right thigh. Further assessments are ongoing, but Gabriel is already ruled out of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham and the midweek Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Depending on the severity, Gabriel could also miss Premier League games against Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa, as well as the Champions League trip to Club Brugge on 10 December. Arsenal then face Wolves and a rescheduled fixture against Everton on 20 December.
Losing Gabriel is a huge blow for Mikel Arteta’s side. The centre-back has played every minute of Arsenal’s league campaign, anchoring a defence that has conceded only five goals in 11 matches and recently went eight straight games without letting one in. New signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are candidates to fill in.
Arsenal’s injury concerns don’t stop there. Viktor Gyökeres remains doubtful after a hamstring problem, while captain Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli are also sidelined. Kai Havertz has suffered what Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann called a “minor relapse” in his knee injury recovery and may not return until late December.
With the title race tightening and a four-point lead over Manchester City to defend, Arsenal’s squad depth is about to face its toughest test yet.
