Arsenal fear that defender Gabriel Magalhães could be sidelined for at least a month after suffering a thigh injury while playing for Brazil, potentially ruling him out of a crucial run of fixtures for the Premier League leaders.
The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Initial checks confirmed a muscle injury in his right thigh, and further tests are ongoing. Although Arsenal have not given an official timeline, Gabriel is expected to miss Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham and the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Depending on the severity, Gabriel could also be unavailable for league games against Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa, as well as the Champions League trip to Club Brugge on 10 December. Arsenal also face Wolves and a rearranged match at Everton before Christmas.
Gabriel has played every minute of Arsenal’s league campaign so far and has been vital to a defence that has conceded just five goals in 11 matches. His absence would be a major setback for Mikel Arteta, whose squad is already stretched. New signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are leading candidates to fill in.
Arsenal also remain unsure whether £64m striker Viktor Gyökeres will return from his hamstring issue in time for the derby. Meanwhile, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann revealed that Kai Havertz has had a minor setback in his knee injury recovery and is now expected back towards the end of the year.
With captain Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined, Arsenal’s depth is being severely tested as they try to maintain their lead over Manchester City.
