Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table and have a 100% win record in the Champions League, but Mikel Arteta's side have been hit by a number of injuries
09:59, 17 Nov 2025Updated 10:02, 17 Nov 2025
Rodrygo
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Arsenal have been told to sign Rodrygo
Mikel Arteta must be scratching his head as to why his Arsenal squad seem to return from each international break in a worse state.
The Gunners are at a pivotal juncture in their season, having impressively built a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table just three months in. They're also one of only three teams to maintain a 100% win record in the Champions League this season after four matches.
This is testament to their successful summer signings and the depth of quality they now boast as they pursue a fourth consecutive title challenge.
Their squad depth will face another test following the international break, which has added a couple more names to the injury list...
North London derby setback
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Gabriel Magalhaes of Brazil reacts as he is substituted after suffering an injury during the International Friendly between Brazil and Senegal at Emirates Stadium on November 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Gabriel suffered an injury during the international break(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Arteta's side have already suffered more injuries than they would have liked at this early stage of the season, reports the Mirror.
Another name was added to the list on Saturday night when defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off the pitch during Brazil's 2-0 friendly victory at the Emirates Stadium, clutching his upper thigh.
The 27-year-old is now a significant doubt for the upcoming north London derby, with scans confirming an injury. The Brazilian FA issued a statement on Sunday that would have been unwelcome news for anyone associated with Arsenal.
The statement read: "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."
'Go for Rodrygo'
Rodrygo of Real Madrid plays during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on November 4, 2025.
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Rodrygo is having a difficult season with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Former Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva has advised Arteta to sign his fellow Brazilian Rodrygo. The Gunners were linked with the Real Madrid winger in the summer, but their interest waned as Rodrygo seemed hesitant to leave Madrid and Arsenal opted to sign Eberechi Eze instead.
However, the Brazilian has become increasingly disenchanted with his bit-part role under Xabi Alonso this campaign and is still waiting to find the back of the net.
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Gilberto has now shared his view that Rodrygo - whom Jude Bellingham once hailed as Los Blancos' "most talented and gifted player" - would be a brilliant signing for the Gunners.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gilberto revealed: "I know him and we've met a couple of times, but I don't know his situation with Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.
"It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he's a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench - but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well."