Arsenal’s injury list grows as defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffers a thigh injury with Brazil, creating a headache for Mikel Arteta ahead of crucial fixtures against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea.
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of defender Gabriel Magalhaes after he suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh while playing for Brazil, forcing him to return to the club for treatment ahead of a crucial run of games.
Arsenal are left sweating on the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes after the defender suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates on Saturday, according to a report from The Independent.
The centre-back has returned to Arsenal for treatment after being released by Brazil ahead of their friendly against Tunisia in Lille on Tuesday.
This comes ahead of a key run of games for the Premier League leaders, starting with hosting Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, followed by facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, and then traveling to Chelsea for another London derby the following Sunday.
A statement from the Brazil national team said Gabriel “underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.”
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti apologized after Gabriel was withdrawn from the friendly, stating:
“We’re really sorry for this, really disappointed. When a player has an injury I hope he can recover well and soon.”
Gabriel has been crucial to Arsenal’s defensive strength this season, having helped them keep eight clean sheets in a row before their 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
Brazil’s team statement further clarified: “Gabriel Magalhaes will not travel with the team for the game against Tunisia,” and noted the defender “left the field yesterday after feeling pain in the adductor muscle of his right thigh.”
He is now a major doubt for the Gunners’ upcoming matches.