Arsenal's Vital Center-Back Gabriel Could Be Out for no Less than Four Weeks with Thigh Problem
Arsenal are concerned that center-back Gabriel Magalhães could be out of action for no less than 30 days after sustaining a muscle problem while on international duty in the past few days.
The Brazilian defender had to be substituted during Brazil's triumph against Senegal in a exhibition match at the North London venue on Saturday and has since gone back to his club for additional tests.
Medical examinations are still underway, and Arsenal have yet to confirm the full extent of the defender's layoff.
That said, he is not expected to be available for the upcoming clash with Tottenham on Sunday or the European match with the German giants just later.
Potential Absence and Missed Fixtures
It is feared that the defender could be out for at least one month, perhaps more, depending on the extent of the issue.
That could see him miss of several important fixtures, like:
- Premier League fixtures against the Blues and Brentford at the Emirates
- An road trip to play Aston Villa
- The Champions League clash at Club Brugge on December 10th
The Arsenal team—who presently have a significant lead over Manchester City—afterwards meet Wolves at home before a rearranged fixture to Everton on 20 December.
Major Setback for The Championship Challenge
Losing such an influential player is a significant setback for Arsenal in their title challenge.
This center-back has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far and is vital to a defense that has let in just five goals in 11 matches.
Prior to the recent 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, the side had recorded eight consecutive shutouts in every tournament.
Cover Choices and Other Fitness Worries
Cristhian Mosquera and fellow new signing Piero Hincapié are in the frame to replace the Brazilian against Spurs.
There are also questions over whether forward Gyökeres will recover to play up front after missing the club's last two fixtures before the international break due to a muscle injury.
In other news, German coach Nagelsmann revealed that Kai Havertz has experienced a “minor relapse” during his comeback from a joint problem.
Although Arteta had been hopeful about the player's comeback this weekend, the national team boss indicated that Havertz is currently expected to return towards the end of the year.
Team Stretched to the Maximum
Arsenal saw their championship bid hurt previously by a series of fitness issues and invested heavily in the summer to reinforce the team.
However, with captain Martin Ødegaard additionally on the injured list—along with Noni Madueke and Martinelli—the squad is feeling the pressure to the limit.