Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a significant setback for his team's Premier League title ambitions, revealing that key defender Gabriel Magalhães is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a thigh injury.
Arteta Confirms Major Defensive Blow
The Brazilian centre-back sustained the injury while on international duty, during a friendly match against Senegal played at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. He was subsequently sent back to his club for treatment and further assessment.
Arteta did not hide his disappointment, describing Gabriel as "the leader of our backline" and admitting his absence is "clearly a blow." The defender is scheduled for additional scans on Wednesday, coinciding with Arsenal's crucial Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich.
Defensive Crisis Before Crucial Fixtures
Gabriel's injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the league leaders. The defender will definitely miss Sunday's highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Compounding Arteta's defensive worries, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt for the Tottenham match. Calafiori has not trained since returning early from his own international commitments with Italy due to a hip problem.
This news is a severe test for an Arsenal squad that has built its success this season on a formidable defence, having conceded only five goals in 17 matches.
Squad Depth to Be Tested
Despite the significant loss, Arteta expressed confidence in the depth of his squad. He stated that the team has "very good options" and that other players must now "stand up and do their job."
Summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are the most likely candidates to step into the void left by Gabriel's absence.
In a small piece of positive news for the Gunners, captain Martin Ødegaard could be in line to return from a knee injury against Tottenham. However, Arteta remained cautious about the return dates for attackers Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke.
Should Ødegaard not be ready to start, Bukayo Saka is expected to continue as captain. Arteta also voiced his confidence that Saka, whose contract expires in 2027, will commit his long-term future to the club, saying he is "very aware that he wants to continue with us."
