Arsenal's Key Defender Gabriel Faces no Less than Four Weeks with Muscle Injury

Arsenal worry that center-back Gabriel Magalhães might remain out of action for a minimum of 30 days after picking up a muscle problem while on international duty recently.

The Brazilian defender had to be substituted during the Seleção's triumph against Senegal in a exhibition match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and has since gone back to his team for more examinations.

Medical examinations are still underway, and Arsenal have not yet announce the exact extent of the 27-year-old absence.

Nevertheless, he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming clash with Tottenham on the weekend or the European fixture with Bayern Munich only later.

Potential Absence and Key Matches

Club sources worry that the defender could miss at least four weeks, possibly more, depending on the nature of the issue.

This would keep him out of multiple important matches, like:

  • Domestic matches against the Blues and Brentford at home
  • An away trip to play Aston Villa
  • The European clash at Brugge on 10 December

Mikel Arteta's side—who currently have a significant lead over Manchester City—afterwards face Wolverhampton at home before a rearranged fixture to Everton on December 20th.

Significant Blow for Arsenal's Title Bid

Being without such an influential player would be a significant problem for the Gunners in their Premier League bid.

The center-back has played all minutes of the Premier League season so far and is crucial to a defense that has conceded only five times in 11 outings.

Before the latest tie at Sunderland, the side had kept 8 straight shutouts in all competitions.

Replacement Options and Other Fitness Worries

Mosquera and fellow summer arrival Hincapié are in contention to replace Gabriel against Tottenham.

Additionally, there are questions over whether striker Viktor Gyökeres will return to play up front after sitting out Arsenal's last two matches before the international break due to a muscle issue.

Meanwhile, German manager Julian Nagelsmann stated that Havertz has suffered a “minor relapse” during his comeback from a knee injury.

While Mikel Arteta had been optimistic about the player's return soon, Nagelsmann indicated that Havertz is currently likely to be back by the New Year.

Team Stretched to the Maximum

Arsenal saw their championship bid hurt previously by a succession of injuries and spent heavily in the summer to reinforce the team.

However, with skipper Martin Ødegaard additionally on the absentee list—along with Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli—the team is feeling the pressure significantly.

Rebecca Williams
Rebecca Williams

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