Arsenal has suffered a second defensive injury update in a single day, with news that Gabriel limped out of Brazil’s friendly against Senegal.
The center-back was replaced just after the hour mark having sustained a groin issue. He immediately gestured to the bench following what looked like a muscular problem.
It’s a major blow for Arsenal as Gabriel picked up his injury just hours after it was confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from the Italy squad due to a hip issue. Both defenders have started all 11 Premier League matches this season, with Gabriel not missing a single minute of the league campaign to date.
The Brazilian has also proved a potent attacking threat, with two goals and three assists so far this season. So impressive has his form been this term, Jamie Carragher recently claimed he might be on to win the end-of-year player of season awards.
He and Calafiori are mainstays of a defense that has started the season by conceding just five goals in 11 matches.
That has provided the platform for Arsenal to establish a four-point gap at the top of the table, and an eight-point lead over reigning champions Liverpool.
The Gunners will hope the issue prove not to be severe for both Calafiori and Gabriel, but Carlo Ancelotti's post-match comments suggest there is a certain degree of concern.
"Bad? I don't know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow," said Brazil coach after the weekend friendly.
"We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon."
Brazil won the friendly, which was ironically held at the Emirates, 2-0 thanks to goals from Estevao and Casemiro.
Ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane featured for Senegal, while his one-time teammate Fabinho was an unused substitute for the opposition.
As for Arsenal, Gabriel and Calafiori join a lengthy injury list that includes Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners return from the international break with a difficult run of games against Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.