Arsenal's Key Defender Gabriel Faces a Minimum of Four Weeks with Thigh Injury
The North London club are concerned that center-back Gabriel Magalhães could be sidelined for a minimum of 30 days after sustaining a muscle strain while on international duty last week.
Gabriel had to be substituted during the Seleção's triumph against Senegal in a exhibition match at the North London venue on the weekend and has since gone back to his team for further tests.
Medical tests are still underway, and the club have not yet disclose the exact duration of the 27-year-old layoff.
That said, he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming North London derby on the weekend or the Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich only afterwards.
Potential Absence and Missed Fixtures
Club sources worry that the defender could be out for at least four weeks, perhaps longer, based on the severity of the injury.
That could rule him out of multiple important fixtures, like:
- Premier League fixtures against Chelsea and Brentford at the Emirates
- An away match to face Villa
- The Champions League clash at Brugge on December 10th
Mikel Arteta's side—who currently hold a four-point advantage over Manchester City—then meet Wolverhampton at the Emirates before a rearranged fixture to Everton on 20 December.
Significant Setback for Arsenal's Title Challenge
Losing Gabriel would be a significant blow for the Gunners in their title challenge.
This center-back has played every minute of the top-flight campaign so far and is integral to a backline that has conceded just five times in 11 matches.
Prior to the latest 2-2 draw at Sunderland, the team had recorded 8 straight shutouts in every tournament.
Replacement Options and Additional Fitness Worries
Cristhian Mosquera and other new signing Hincapié are in contention to fill in for the Brazilian against Spurs.
Additionally, there are concerns over whether forward Gyökeres will be back to play up front after sitting out the club's final two matches before the international break due to a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Germany coach Nagelsmann said that Havertz has experienced a “slight setback” during his recovery from a joint injury.
Although Mikel Arteta had been optimistic about the attacker's comeback this weekend, the national team boss indicated that the German is currently expected to be back by the New Year.
Team Stretched to the Limit
The club experienced their title bid hurt previously by a succession of fitness issues and spent significantly in the summer to reinforce the team.
But, with captain Ødegaard additionally on the absentee list—alongside Madueke and Martinelli—the squad is feeling the pressure to the limit.