The Gunners' Key Center-Back Gabriel Faces a Minimum of Four Weeks with Muscle Injury
The North London club are concerned that center-back Gabriel Magalhães could be out of action for a minimum of four weeks after suffering a muscle injury while with the national team in the past few days.
Gabriel was forced off during Brazil's triumph against Senegal in a exhibition match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and has since gone back to his club for further examinations.
Medical assessments are ongoing, and Arsenal have not yet confirm the full duration of the defender's absence.
Nevertheless, he is unlikely to play for the upcoming North London derby on the weekend or the European match with the German giants only three days.
Possible Layoff and Key Fixtures
It is feared that Gabriel could be out for a minimum of one month, maybe more, based on the severity of the injury.
This would see him miss of several vital matches, including:
- Domestic matches against Chelsea and Brentford at the Emirates
- An away match to face Villa
- The European clash at Brugge on 10 December
The Arsenal team—that presently hold a four-point advantage over Manchester City—then meet Wolves at home before a rescheduled fixture to Goodison Park on December 20th.
Major Setback for Arsenal's Title Challenge
Losing such an influential player is a serious setback for Arsenal in their title challenge.
The center-back has played every minute of the Premier League season so far and is vital to a defense that has let in just five times in 11 games.
Prior to the latest tie at the Stadium of Light, the team had recorded eight consecutive shutouts in all competitions.
Replacement Options and Other Injury Concerns
Cristhian Mosquera and other summer arrival Hincapié are in contention to replace Gabriel against Tottenham.
There are also concerns over whether forward Gyökeres will return to play up front after missing Arsenal's final two fixtures before the international break due to a hamstring injury.
In other news, Germany coach Nagelsmann stated that Havertz has experienced a “slight setback” during his recovery from a joint injury.
Although Arteta had been hopeful about the attacker's comeback this weekend, Nagelsmann suggested that the German is currently likely to return towards the end of the year.
Squad Tested to the Limit
Arsenal saw their title push undermined last season by a succession of fitness issues and spent significantly in the transfer window to strengthen the squad.
However, with captain Martin Ødegaard additionally on the absentee list—alongside Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli—the team is being stretched considerably.