Arsenal fear defender Gabriel Magalhães could be sidelined for a month or longer after suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil. The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates and returned to London for further assessment. Tests are ongoing, but early indications suggest he will miss several key fixtures.
Gabriel is not expected to feature in Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham or in Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. Depending on the severity, he may also miss league games against Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa, as well as the Champions League trip to Club Brugge on 10 December. Arsenal face Wolves and a rearranged match at Everton shortly after.
The injury is a major setback for the Premier League leaders. Gabriel has played every minute of their league campaign, anchoring a defence that has conceded only five goals in 11 games and kept eight straight clean sheets before the recent 2-2 draw with Sunderland. New signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are options to step in.
Arsenal also face uncertainty up front, with £64m striker Viktor Gyökeres still recovering from a hamstring injury. Kai Havertz has suffered a “minor relapse” in his knee recovery, according to Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, though he is expected back toward the end of the year.
With Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli also out, Mikel Arteta’s squad is being stretched as Arsenal aim to maintain their lead over Manchester City in the title race.
