Arsenal are reportedly preparing for a significant blow, with fears key defender Gabriel Magalhães could be out until January with an injury. The centre-back was seen staggering off the pitch during Brazil’s match against Senegal on Saturday.
Gabriel and William Saliba have emerged as a formidable defensive pair for Arsenal in recent seasons. The duo, who have helped the Gunners concede just five goals in the Premier League this season, have helped Mikel Arteta’s side maintain a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Their partnership is widely hailed as the best in English football as Arsenal seek to win their first league title since 2004. However, the Gunners’ solid defense looks set to take a hit amid fears Gabriel could be sidelined for several weeks.
According to BBC Sport, initial concerns suggested the 27-year-old would be sidelined for at least four weeks. It is said the defender’s absence could be extended until January.
The exact extent of Gabriel’s injury and recovery schedule will reportedly be determined within the next few days.
The Brazilian is currently undergoing further assessment, but is expected to miss Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, as well as several other games during the remainder of 2025.
Gabriel left with an injury on Saturday, and the anguished expression on his face as he left the field, burying his face in his shirt, spoke volumes. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti initially suggested Gabriel had an adductor problem, but tests later revealed he was suffering from pain in his knee.
This development suffered a further defensive blow and Riccardo Calafioli was forced to abandon his international commitments with Italy and return to London. The defender withdrew from Italy’s squad on Saturday and has been excluded from Sunday night’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway, according to reports in Italian media.
He will now return to London where Arsenal’s medical team will assess his condition. Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso said of Calafioli’s plight: “He tried to be available, but he can’t put in the effort right now.”
Arsenal’s medical department has been informed of Calafiori’s return to the capital, and the club do not expect there to be any major concerns. Norway manager Starre Solbakken also believes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s return to action is “still a long way off”.
Gabriel Jesus is also expected to return before the new year after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery in late January. Additionally, Victor Goqueres and Gabriel Martinelli are recovering from hamstring and groin problems they sustained before the November international break.
Arteta’s side have won eight league games so far, sharing points twice and losing only once. Their only defeat was against Liverpool at Anfield, due to a second-half free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
