Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes faces weeks out with a thigh injury sustained on Brazil duty, dealing major blow to Premier League leaders.
LONDON: Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes will be sidelined for weeks after suffering an injury while on international duty with Brazil.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the significant blow to his defensive line ahead of Sunday’s crucial north London derby against Tottenham.
The Brazilian centre-back picked up a thigh injury during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
“Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazilian national team and he’s going to be out for weeks,” Arteta stated.
Arsenal will conduct another scan next Wednesday to determine a clearer timeline for the defender’s recovery.
Gabriel has been ever-present in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba.
The Gunners have conceded just five goals in their opening 11 league matches this season.
Arteta acknowledged the significant impact of losing his defensive leader ahead of the Tottenham clash.
“It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our back line,” the Spanish manager admitted.
Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are both in contention to replace Gabriel against their local rivals.
Arteta emphasized that no single player could replicate Gabriel’s specific qualities and leadership.
Left-back Riccardo Calafiori also remains a doubt after missing Italy’s international matches.
Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres are all longer-term absentees.
Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by four points after Manchester City’s recent draw with Sunderland.
The Gunners boast an impressive home record against Tottenham, losing just once in the league since 1993.
Tottenham arrive at the Emirates with the league’s best away record this season. – AFP
