Arsenal's Vital Defender Gabriel Sidelined for no Less than 30 Days with Thigh Problem
The North London club worry that center-back Gabriel Magalhães could be out of action for no less than one month after picking up a thigh problem while with the national team last week.
The Brazilian defender limped off during the Seleção's 2-0 victory against Senegal in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on the weekend and has since gone back to his club for additional tests.
Medical examinations are still underway, and Arsenal have not yet announce the full extent of the 27-year-old time out.
Nevertheless, he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming North London derby on Sunday or the European fixture with Bayern Munich only afterwards.
Possible Layoff and Key Fixtures
There are concerns that the defender could miss a minimum of one month, perhaps more, based on the extent of the issue.
This would rule him out of several crucial games, including:
- Premier League matches against Chelsea and Brentford at the Emirates
- An away trip to play Aston Villa
- The European match at Club Brugge on 10 December
Mikel Arteta's side—who presently have a significant lead over Manchester City—afterwards meet Wolves at home before a rearranged trip to Goodison Park on December 20th.
Major Setback for The Championship Bid
Losing Gabriel is a major setback for the Gunners in their Premier League bid.
The center-back has played each minute of the top-flight season so far and is crucial to a backline that has conceded only five times in 11 matches.
Prior to the latest tie at the Stadium of Light, the team had recorded 8 straight clean sheets in all competitions.
Cover Choices and Additional Fitness Concerns
Mosquera and fellow summer arrival Piero Hincapié are in the frame to fill in for Gabriel against Tottenham.
Additionally, there are doubts over whether striker Gyökeres will recover to lead the line after sitting out the club's last two matches before the international break due to a muscle injury.
Meanwhile, Germany coach Nagelsmann said that Havertz has suffered a “minor relapse” during his recovery from a joint problem.
Although Mikel Arteta had been hopeful about the player's return soon, the national team boss suggested that the German is now expected to be back in late December.
Team Stretched to the Maximum
The club saw their title push undermined last season by a succession of fitness issues and spent significantly in the transfer window to strengthen the team.
But, with captain Ødegaard also on the absentee list—alongside Madueke and Martinelli—the squad is feeling the pressure significantly.
