Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is a major doubt for next Sunday’s north London derby after being sent home from international duty with an injury.
The towering defender had to be withdrawn midway through Brazil’s 2-0 victory against Senegal on Saturday after going down clutching his thigh.
He appeared in some discomfort as he trudged towards the dugout flanked by medical staff in concerning scenes for Gunners fans.
Tests have now revealed that Gabriel suffered ‘a muscle injury in his right thigh’, meaning he won’t travel with Brazil to Lille for their friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday.
The defender will instead return to Arsenal’s north London training ground for treatment.
Gabriel may well therefore miss his club side’s clash with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates next weekend.
Gabriel Magalhaes was substituted by Brazil with an injury during their tie against Senegal
The centre-back clutched his groin in discomfort as he trudged off the pitch with medics
It’s now been confirmed that Gabriel suffered a muscular injury in his right thigh
Giving an early update on his player’s injury after Brazil’s win in London, Carlo Ancelotti said: ‘I don’t know what happened, he had a problem with his thigh.
‘The medical staff have to check tomorrow. I’m really disappointed he’s got an injury. I hope he recovers well and soon.’
Gabriel’s injury comes at arguably the worst possible time for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who face a crucial few weeks with games against Spurs, Bayern Munich and Chelsea to come after the international break.
They currently sit top of the league and four points clear of Manchester City, who are in blistering form heading towards the festive period.
Gabriel, along with centre-half partner William Saliba, has enjoyed an impressive start to the season.
Arsenal have conceded a mere five Premier League goals thus far and kept clean sheets in seven of their 11 games.
Gabriel’s been key to such success but has also contributed going forward. He’s scored twice for Arteta’s men already this season in their bid to win a first Premier League title for more than 20 years.
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Arsenal receive worrying Gabriel injury update just a week before north London derby against Tottenham