Arsenal's Vital Center-Back Gabriel Sidelined for a Minimum of One Month with Thigh Problem
The North London club are concerned that center-back Gabriel Magalhães could be sidelined for at least one month after suffering a thigh strain while on international duty recently.
Gabriel limped off during Brazil's win against Senegal in a exhibition match at the North London venue on the weekend and has since returned to his team for more assessments.
Club examinations are ongoing, and Arsenal have yet to announce the full extent of the 27-year-old layoff.
That said, he is not expected to feature for the upcoming North London derby on Sunday or the European meeting with the German giants only afterwards.
Potential Absence and Missed Fixtures
It is feared that the defender could miss a minimum of one month, maybe more, based on the extent of the strain.
This would see him miss of several important games, including:
- Domestic matches against Chelsea and Brentford at home
- An road match to face Villa
- The Champions League match at Club Brugge on December 10th
The Arsenal team—who presently hold a significant lead over Manchester City—afterwards face Wolverhampton at the Emirates before a rearranged trip to Goodison Park on December 20th.
Major Setback for Arsenal's Championship Challenge
Being without Gabriel would be a serious problem for Arsenal in their title push.
This defender has played all minutes of the top-flight season so far and is integral to a backline that has conceded only five goals in 11 games.
Prior to the recent tie at Sunderland, the team had recorded eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Replacement Options and Other Fitness Worries
Cristhian Mosquera and fellow new signing Piero Hincapié are in contention to fill in for Gabriel against Spurs.
There are also questions over whether forward Viktor Gyökeres will be back to play up front after sitting out the club's last two matches before the international break due to a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, German coach Julian Nagelsmann said that Havertz has experienced a “slight setback” during his recovery from a knee problem.
While Mikel Arteta had been hopeful about the player's comeback soon, Nagelsmann suggested that the German is currently expected to return by the New Year.
Team Tested to the Limit
The club experienced their championship push undermined last season by a succession of injuries and spent significantly in the summer to strengthen the squad.
But, with skipper Martin Ødegaard also on the absentee list—alongside Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli—the squad is feeling the pressure considerably.