Arsenal latest: Rodrygo transfer verdict delivered as Mikel Arteta crisis deepens

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table and are going strobng in the Champions League but Mikel Arteta's side have been hit by a number of injuries

Mikel Arteta must be scratching his head as to Arsenal always seem to come out of international breaks in a worse state. The Gunners are at a pivotal juncture in their season, having impressively built a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table just three months in.

The Gunners are also one of only three teams to maintain a perfect record in the Champions League this season after four games. This is a testament to their successful summer and the depth of talent they now have as they pursue a fourth consecutive title challenge.

In past seasons, injuries to key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Ben White would have been catastrophic. However, the north London side keep racking up wins, with the exception of an unfortunate 2-2 draw at Sunderland last time out.

But their squad depth will face another test after the international break, which has added a couple more names to the injury list. football.london brings you the latest updates on the Gunners ahead of their home game against arch-rivals Tottenham.

Gabriel injury update

Arteta's team have already suffered more injuries than they would have liked at this early point in the season. Another player was added to the injury list on Saturday night when defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off the pitch during Brazil's 2-0 friendly victory, clutching his upper thigh.

The 27-year-old is now a significant doubt for the upcoming north London derby, following confirmation of an injury. The Brazilian FA issued a statement on Sunday that would have been unwelcome news for anyone associated with Arsenal.

The statement read: "Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille."

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his regret after the game, stating: "Bad? I don't know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon."

This comes as a devastating blow to arguably Arsenal's most influential player this season, ahead of a challenging series of matches. Left-back Riccardo Calafiori also returned early from the Italy squad as a precaution, although it's believed his issue isn't severe enough to rule him out of the Spurs clash.

Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer verdict

Former Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva has advised Arteta to sign his fellow Brazilian Rodrygo. The Gunners were linked with the Real Madrid winger in the summer, but their interest waned as Rodrygo seemed hesitant to leave Madrid and Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze instead.

However, the Brazil international has become increasingly frustrated with his bit-part role under Xabi Alonso this campaign and is still searching for his first goal. Gilberto has now shared his view that Rodrygo would prove an excellent signing for the Gunners.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Gilberto said: "I know him and we've met a couple of times, but I don't know his situation with Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.

"It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he's a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench - but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well."