Image Credits: Imago Images
The November international break is traditionally a double-edged sword for Premier League managers – a necessary pause in the fixture calendar that too often brings unwelcome news from national team camps.
And now Mikel Arteta has received news over the weekend that he would not have wanted.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has suffered a thigh injury while on duty with Brazil, leaving the Gunners sweating ahead of their north London derby clash with Tottenham this Sunday.
The 27-year-old centre-back was withdrawn in the 62nd minute of Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, November 15, after pulling up and signaling to the bench.
Imaging tests conducted the following day revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh, ruling him out of Brazil’s subsequent friendly against Tunisia and casting serious doubt over his availability for Arsenal’s crucial upcoming fixtures.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said “We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When a player has an injury, you hope they can recover well and soon”.
Now, a fresh statement from the Brazil Football Federation said that Gabriel is ruled out of the clash vs Tunisia this Tuesday:
“Gabriel Magalhães will not continue with the delegation for the game against Tunisia”
“Defender left the field yesterday after feeling pain in the adductor muscle of the right thigh.”
“Gabriel Magalhães was reevaluated this Sunday (16) and underwent imaging tests that found a muscle injury in his right thigh.”
“Thus, the athlete will not continue with the delegation for the match against Tunisia, in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him.”
Gabriel’s absence would be a significant blow for Arsenal, who have built their title challenge on his defensive excellence.
The Brazilian has started all 11 Premier League matches this season, anchoring a backline that has conceded just five goals and kept a league-high seven clean sheets.
Arsenal are already grappling with multiple injury concerns beyond Gabriel.
Fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from Italy’s squad on Saturday due to a hip issue, though reports suggest Arsenal are “not anticipating a big problem”.
Viktor Gyökeres missed the last two games before the international break with a hamstring injury and did not join Sweden’s squad, making him a doubt for Tottenham.
Captain Martin Ødegaard and forward Gabriel Jesus are also managing knee injuries, while Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have also had issues this term
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