Arsenal Fans Left Fuming Over Brazil's Handling of Gabriel
Arsenal supporters have been left bewildered and angry after fresh details emerged surrounding the injury to key defender Gabriel Magalhaes while on international duty with Brazil.
The Gunners' defensive stalwart was forced off the pitch during Brazil's friendly against Senegal on Saturday, November 16, 2025, clutching his adductor muscle and appearing in clear discomfort.
Ancelotti's Apology Fails to Placate Supporters
Following the match, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his regret over the situation. The former Real Madrid manager stated, 'Bad? I don't know. He had an injury in his adductor. The medical staff has to check tomorrow.'
Ancelotti added, 'We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When a player has an injury, you hope they can recover well and soon.' However, these apologies are likely to provide little comfort to concerned Arsenal fans.
Pre-Existing Fitness Concerns Revealed
The situation has provoked greater outrage as it was revealed that Gabriel was already a fitness doubt before the match even began. Sky Sports reporter Natalie Gedra confirmed that during Brazil's final training session at the Emirates, Gabriel completed his warm-up separately from the rest of the squad.
This was reportedly a load management precaution, given the significant minutes the 27-year-old has played this season. The decision to start him in a friendly match, despite these concerns, has been labelled 'completely irresponsible' by fans.
Derby Doubts and Defensive Fallout
The timing of this injury could not be worse for Arsenal, with the crucial North London derby against Tottenham scheduled for the following Sunday. Gabriel now looks highly unlikely to be available for this pivotal fixture.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with one supporter noting the particular irony that the injury occurred in a 'meaningless friendly' after the player had been training separately due to load management.
There is some positive news for Arsenal, however. While the club is also monitoring the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori after his withdrawal from the Italy squad, Fabrizio Romano suggests the Italian is likely to be fit to face Spurs.
Summer signings Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera represent solid backup options, with the latter having made a strong start to his Arsenal career following his move from Valencia.
