Image Credits: Imago Images
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will no doubt be lamenting the advent of international breaks this November, with plenty of injury scares and issues for their players across the globe.
The Gunners face Tottenham in a North London derby straight after the club pause, and their preparations are hitting snag after snag.
The Brazilian defender Gabriel suffered a thigh muscle injury during his nation’s 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium.
After pulling up off the ball in the second half, the 27-year-old was withdrawn in the 64th minute with visible discomfort.
Subsequent imaging tests confirmed a muscle injury to his right thigh, with the Brazilian Football Confederation releasing him from their squad for the Tunisia friendly.
Expectations are that the key Gunners man could be out for weeks.
Meanwhile, Italian international Calafiori withdrew from his national team’s camp due to a hip complaint.
The 23-year-old had been training separately from his teammates and ultimately did not feature in either of Italy’s World Cup qualifiers against Moldova or Norway. Manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed Calafiori’s departure was precautionary, stating it wouldn’t be fair to either the player or Arsenal to risk him.
But it hasn’t stopped there for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber suffered an injury scare in the 36th minute of the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Timber was caught late and high on his knee by Lithuanian defender Edgaras Utkus’ studs, going down immediately and requiring on-field treatment.
But the 24-year-old was able to continue playing after receiving treatment and even returned for the second half of the Netherlands’ match against Lithuania.
He was eventually substituted by Lutsharel Geertruida just after the hour mark, which strongly indicates that his injury was only a minor scare and not a serious issue.
Whether he will fit and available for Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Tottenham remains to be seen.
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