Image Credits: Imago Images
The international break has proven costly for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta facing a mounting injury crisis in his defensive ranks.
Gabriel Magalhaes is the most serious casualty. The Brazilian centre-back was forced off after 65 minutes during his nation’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, limping from the pitch after suffering a right thigh muscle injury.
Initial examinations suggest the 27-year-old could face between one and two months on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out until mid-January
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori was sent home early from Italy’s World Cup qualifying camp after struggling with a hip injury.
The left-back, who has featured in all 17 of Arsenal’s matchday squads this term, missed both of Italy’s fixtures over the break. However, there is cautious optimism surrounding his recovery,
Jurrien Timber provided another scare during the Netherlands’ 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Lithuania on Monday night.
The Dutch defender received a hard tackle in the first half, resulting in a deep cut on his leg that forced his eventual substitution after playing on for 30 minutes.
With a North London derby this weekend, Mikel Arteta needs all of his players.
However, the Spanish boss may have to without striker Kai Havertz for a while longer, at least according to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.
“Kai had a minor relapse on his injury, but overall, he’s doing well,” said Nagelsmann.
“He is expected to return towards the end of the year.”
Kai Havertz has featured in just a single match this campaign after suffering a knee injury during a training session in the immediate aftermath of Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United back in August.
The German forward underwent surgery on the injury later that month.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk officially breaks Netherlands national record
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