Arsenal have been dealt a major setback at the top of the Premier League table, with growing fears that defender Gabriel Magalhães could be sidelined for at least a month following the thigh injury he sustained on international duty with Brazil.
The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday and has since returned to London for further medical assessments. Initial examinations confirmed a muscle problem in his right thigh, and while additional tests are still being carried out, early indications suggest the influential centre-back will miss a crucial stretch of Arsenal’s season.
Gabriel is already ruled out of Sunday’s North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur and the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich three days later. Depending on the severity of the injury, he could also miss league fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa, as well as the European trip to Club Brugge on December 10. Arsenal’s December calendar also includes key games against Wolves and Everton, fixtures the club had hoped to approach with a full-strength squad.
Losing Gabriel is a significant blow for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have conceded just five goals in 11 league matches and built their title charge around defensive solidity. The Brazilian has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s back line.
With Gabriel sidelined, Arteta may turn to summer signings Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapié to fill the void, while tactical reshuffles could also be on the cards. The manager’s selection headaches extend further up the pitch, with Viktor Gyökeres still struggling with a hamstring injury that saw him miss the club’s last two matches before the international break.
In midfield, concerns persist over Kai Havertz, who has suffered what Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann described as a “minor relapse” in his knee injury recovery. The forward is expected to return toward the end of the year. Meanwhile, captain Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli also remain sidelined, leaving Arsenal’s squad increasingly stretched.
After last season’s title bid was derailed by injuries, Arteta will hope history does not repeat itself — but the coming weeks could once again test the depth and resilience of his Premier League leaders.
