Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback after Brazil confirmed that defender Gabriel Magalhães has sustained a muscle injury in his right thigh.
The centre-back, who has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s backline this season, has been withdrawn from the Brazil squad and will not travel with the Seleção to Lille for their upcoming clash against Tunisia.
Instead, Gabriel will return to London, where Arsenal’s medical team will carry out further assessment to determine the extent of the injury.
The news will come as a concern for the Gunners, who are preparing for a busy run of fixtures, including a high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham.
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However, Arsenal can take some comfort in the availability of Riccardo Calafiori, who is reportedly 100% ready to feature against Spurs.
The Italian defender is expected to step up should Gabriel be sidelined for any length of time.
Arsenal fans will now be anxiously awaiting updates from the club’s medical staff as they assess the severity of Gabriel’s injury and his potential recovery timeline.