Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of a crucial phase in their season, as defender Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for a minimum of four weeks following a muscle injury picked up while on international duty with Brazil. According to reports attributed to the BBC, the centre-back sustained the problem during Brazil’s recent fixture, where he was seen clutching his upper thigh before being taken off for assessment.
Initial examinations conducted by the Brazilian medical team indicate a muscle strain significant enough to sideline the defender for at least one month. If the recovery timeline holds, Gabriel could remain unavailable until early January 2026, causing concern for both club and country. Arsenal are awaiting updated scan results, expected to arrive soon, which will clarify the severity of the injury and determine whether the current estimate will extend further.
The timing of this setback is particularly worrying for Mikel Arteta, who has relied heavily on Gabriel this season. The Brazilian has been a mainstay in Arsenal’s defensive setup, forming a strong partnership at the heart of the back line. With several high-intensity fixtures awaiting the Gunners across the Premier League and Europe, his absence forces Arteta to reshuffle defensive options during a demanding stretch.
