Injured Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was spotted in a ‘bust-up’ over a horror tackle during a local 6-a-side game in London on Tuesday night, with footage of the incident quickly going viral. The centre-back, widely regarded as one of the best in his position, picked up a hamstring injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal last month.
He is expected to be out for up to another month, and with partner William Saliba also sidelined, Mikel Arteta has been forced to field a makeshift centre-back pairing of Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera. That has contributed to draws against 10-man Chelsea and Sunderland, and a late collapse against Aston Villa.
As a result, the Gunners sit just two points above Manchester City in the Premier League title race as the congested winter schedule ramps up. Arteta will be desperate for Gabriel’s return, not only for defensive stability but also for his key role in Arsenal’s set-piece dominance.
Gabriel Spotted in 'Bust-up' Over 6-a-side Horror Tackle
Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes
Premier League - Fulham v Arsenal - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - October 18, 2025 Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes reacts REUTERS/David Klein
The 27-year-old was invited to spectate a six-a-side friendly match in South London, played between Brazilian Botofogo supporters. But things got heated towards the end of the match, as Gabriel could be seen darting across the astroturf, shouting something in Portuguese after witnessing a horror tackle. Watch the incident below:
An onlooker, who had gone to watch his pal at the game, said, as per The Sun: “It was really unexpected. He didn’t look injured when he sprinted across the pitch to get involved. I don’t know if he knew them personally, but he seemed to just see red and fly off the handle. Nobody quite knew what to say but it was really intense.
“It shows how passionate he is about football that he would get this competitive over a six-a-side match between two amateur teams playing for fun in the evenings. He had a bit of a shout – it wasn’t physical – and then that probably got it out of his system. Then everything calmed down.”
It is thought the game ended after the erratic challenge, with both sets of players choosing to call it a night and go home.
Gabriel's Importance at Arsenal
william saliba gabriel magalhaes
Arteta’s squad depth has improved significantly since last season, when injuries seemed to play the leading role in Arsenal’s failure to secure their first league title in two decades. But that doesn’t lessen Gabriel’s importance, as he remains one of the club’s most influential players alongside Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
At the time of last month’s injury, statistics showed Gabriel’s crucial role in Arsenal conceding just five Premier League goals. He led the league with 20 blocks and was his side’s top player for aerial duels, clearances, and headed clearances.
His aerial prowess also makes him a threat offensively. Gabriel has already scored twice and provided three assists this season, bringing his total since joining from Lille in 2020 to 18 set-piece goals - three more than any other Arsenal player in that period. When he is absent, Arsenal’s Premier League win rate drops from 64.3% to below 40%, translating to 2.1 points per game compared to 1.5 without him.