Arsenal reportedly fear that key defender Gabriel Magalhaes will be out injured until January. The centre-back was seen limping off during Brazil’s clash against Senegal on Saturday afternoon.
Gabriel and William Saliba have become a formidable defensive duo for Arsenal in recent seasons. The Gunners’ centre-back pair have only let in a paltry five goals in the Premier League so far this season, contributing significantly to Mikel Arteta’s side holding a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Their partnership at the back is widely regarded as the best in English football, as Arsenal pursue their first league title since 2004. However, Arsenal’s impressive defence looks set to be affected amid concerns that Gabriel will be out for several weeks.
BBC Sport report that early fears indicate the 27-year-old will miss a minimum of four weeks. It is claimed that the defender’s absence could stretch to January.
The exact severity of Gabriel’s injury and the timescale for recovery will reportedly be finalised in the coming days. The Brazilian is currently undergoing further assessment, but is set to miss Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur and several other fixtures across the rest of 2025.
Gabriel’s expression said it all after being substituted with the injury on Saturday, as he covered his face with his shirt in frustration as he exited the pitch. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti initially said Gabriel had suffered an adductor injury, but scans confirmed he sustained a knee injury.
The news comes after another defensive injury setback, with Riccardo Calafiori forced to cut short his international duty with Italy and return to London.
Reports from Italy confirmed the defender departed the Italy camp on Saturday, missing his nation’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday evening.
He will now return to London, where he will be assessed by Arsenal doctors. Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso had said: “He tried to be available but he can’t force now,” regarding Calafiori’s situation.
It is believed that Arsenal’s medical staff have been notified of Calafiori’s return to the capital, with the club not anticipating any serious complications.
In other news, Norway boss Stale Solbakken believes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is still “some distance away” from his own return. Gabriel Jesus is also set to make a comeback ahead of the new year, following ACL surgery in late January.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli are also on the mend from hamstring and groin injuries they picked up before the November international break.
Arteta’s team have won eight, drawn two and lost just once in the league so far.
Their only defeat came at Anfield against Liverpool, courtesy of a second-half free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
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