Image Credits: Imago Images
Arsenal defender Gabriel sustained a muscle injury while on international duty with Brazil last weekend.
The centre-back was forced off in the 65th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal, held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, after receiving treatment for several minutes.
He appeared in discomfort as he walked off, holding his right thigh.
Brazil later confirmed the injury and announced that Gabriel had withdrawn from the squad, ruling him out of Tuesday’s friendly against Tunisia in Lille, France.
The statement said: “Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.
“Therefore, the player will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille.
“No other player will be called up to replace him.”
The setback comes at a challenging time for Arsenal, who are entering a busy period with at least 14 fixtures scheduled over the next eight weeks.
Gabriel has been a key figure so far, playing every minute of the Premier League campaign and starting all four of Arsenal’s Champions League fixtures.
Since joining from Lille in 2020, he has made 227 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals.
He signed a contract extension until 2029 earlier this year.
Arsenal have already dealt with several injury absences this season, including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Mikel Arteta’s side return to action on Sunday with a north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.
They then host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich three days later before travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on November 30.
According to The Athletic, Gabriel is set for further tests amid concerns that he could miss between one and two months of action.
Initial assessments indicate that the defender may be sidelined for several weeks, but Arsenal will await the results of additional examinations to determine the full extent of the injury.
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