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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes could facing up to two months out injured as the Gunners face up to a major blow to their title hopes.
Mikel Arteta’s side is of course in a strong position to end its long wait for a first Premier League crown since 2004. Arsenal holds a four-point advantage after 11 games of the season, with Manchester City currently its closest challenger, while Liverpool sits eight points behind after its recent run of poor form.
Despite having a lot of ground to make up, Arne Slot’s side may have just had the door opened slightly for a comeback, with Arsenal looking set to be without one of its key defenders for a lengthy spell.
Gabriel was forced off after suffering a muscle injury in his thigh during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal last weekend. Various outlets, including The Athletic, are now reporting that the defender could be facing between one and two months out.
The 27-year-old is set to undergo further tests in order to confirm the full extent of the injury, although initial examinations have indicated he could be missing until January.
The news comes ahead of a busy period for Arsenal and its title rivals. The Gunners are set to play 14 games over the next eight weeks, including a tough set of fixtures straight after the international break.
Arteta’s side hosts Tottenham in the North London derby on Sunday, before facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League three days later. The Gunners then head to Chelsea the following weekend.
Gabriel’s expected absence will come as a big blow in those games. The defender has played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign so far, as well as starting all four of its Champions League games.
The injury is the latest to hit Arteta’s side this season, with Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli having also faced spells on the sidelines.
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Gabriel’s absence will likely lead to one of Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapie being called upon to fill in alongside William Saliba. Both players were signed during the summer, although they have made just seven appearances between them for the club so far.
Liverpool.com says: This will provide Arsenal with the first major test of its title credentials this season. Saliba and Gabriel have formed such a solid partnership that breaking it up now at such a busy time in the season could make things difficult for Arteta.
We'll see just how much they can rely on their backup options over the next few weeks, but this could be the time for the likes of Liverpool and City to try and claw back some points in the title race.
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