Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow during the November international break as they do battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title this season
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to a game
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been handed a huge blow(Image: Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have been handed a huge injury blow in their Premier League title race with Manchester City.
Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes was seen hobbling off during Brazil's match against Senegal on Saturday, clutching what appeared to be a groin injury on his right side. The centre-back has formed an impressive partnership with William Saliba at Arsenal in recent seasons.
This defensive duo have only let in a mere five goals in the Premier League this season, contributing significantly to Mikel Arteta's team leading the league by four points - with City in second.
Their defensive partnership is widely regarded as one of the best in English football as Arsenal pursue their first league title since 2004. However, the solid partnership could now be jeopardised due to injury.
Gabriel was forced to leave the pitch at the Emirates Stadium just after the hour mark, leaving Arteta anxiously awaiting news on the Brazilian's fitness ahead of Arsenal's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23. Gabriel's frustration was evident as he covered his face with his shirt while leaving the pitch.
The news comes on the back of another defensive injury blow, with Riccardo Calafiori having to end his international duty with Italy prematurely and return to London.
Italian reports confirmed that the defender left the Italy camp on Saturday, missing his country's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday evening.
Arsenal's medical team are reportedly aware of Calafiori's return to London, with no serious issues expected.
In other developments, Norway manager Stale Solbakken has suggested that Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard is still "some distance away" from his own comeback. Gabriel Jesus is also poised for a return before the new year, after undergoing ACL surgery in late January.
Additionally, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli are recovering from hamstring and groin injuries sustained prior to the international break.
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