Arsenal have been dealt a major setback after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that defender Gabriel Magalhães will be sidelined for “weeks” due to a thigh injury picked up on international duty with Brazil.
Gabriel suffered the injury during Brazil’s 2–0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Arteta, speaking on Friday, said the centre-back will undergo another scan next week to determine the full extent of the damage.
“Gabi is going to be out for weeks,” Arteta said, expressing concern over the defender’s condition.
The Brazilian has been a key figure in Arsenal’s impressive defensive run this season, forming a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba. Together, they’ve helped the Gunners concede just five goals in 11 Premier League matches. Gabriel has also been a consistent aerial threat during set pieces.
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Arsenal host Tottenham on Sunday in a crucial North London derby. The Gunners currently sit four points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, though their recent 2–2 draw with Sunderland ended an eight-match streak of clean-sheet victories.
Arsenal boast a dominant home record against Spurs, with only one league defeat at the Emirates since 1993. However, Tottenham arrive with the league’s best away form this season, winning four and drawing one of their five matches on the road.
