Arsenal suffered a major injury crisis during the November international break, with Gabriel seen limping during Brazil’s match against Senegal on Saturday. The centre-back appeared to be in considerable discomfort and was clutching what appeared to be an injury to his right groin.
Gabriel and William Saliba have established a strong defensive partnership at Arsenal in recent campaigns. And the pair have played key roles in Arsenal’s backline, who have conceded just five goals in the Premier League so far this season.
Despite the Gunners being held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland last weekend, their defensive performance played a big part in helping Mikel Arteta’s side maintain a four-point lead at the top of the table.
The Gunners’ defensive partnership is widely regarded as one of the best in English football as Arsenal seek their first league title since 2004. However, this solid duo could be jeopardized by injuries.
Gabriel represented Brazil in a friendly against Senegal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and was named in the backline. However, the 27-year-old was substituted just after the hour mark.
The Gunners manager will now be anxiously awaiting news on the Brazilian’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.
Despite spending six months with Arsenal, Gabriel has only become a regular for Brazil in recent years. The match against Senegal was only his 17th cap.
But the star player will be hoping to play a key role for South America at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Gabriel’s setback came after Gunners teammate Riccardo Calafioli was forced to prematurely end his stint with the Italy national team and return to London.
According to Italian reports, the player left the Italian camp on Saturday and will miss Sunday night’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway. He will now travel to London where he will be evaluated by Arsenal doctors.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted: “He tried hard to be available, but he can’t help right now.”
Arsenal’s medical staff have been informed of Calafiori’s return to the capital, and the club do not expect any serious complications.
Arsenal have won eight of their 11 games so far and look to be the standout team in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City look set to be Arsenal’s biggest rivals for the title, with Josep Guardiola’s side rapidly climbing the table after winning five of their last six league games. The top two teams have already met in the league this season, with the result ending in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium in September.
