Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now sweating over the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes after the centre-back appeared to sustain an injury on international duty with Brazil.
That is according to the Express, which reports that Emirates Stadium chiefs fear Gabriel has suffered a thigh injury. He required treatment from the Selecao’s medical team on the bench against Bolivia on Friday. Boss Fernando Diniz hooked the 25-year-old in the closing stages.
Gabriel had started in Brazil’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifying tie with Bolivia to make his Selecao debut. Tite had opted against handing the centre-half his international breakthrough in November 2021 and February 2022 during the Arsenal star’s only previous Brazil call-ups.
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Arsenal and Brazil sweat over Gabriel’s possible thigh injury
What should have been a dream night ended on a sour night, though, when Diniz accepted Gabriel could not continue. Roger Ibanez replaced the Sao Paulo native in the 84th minute whilst leading 4-1. Now, Gabriel is a doubt to face Peru on Tuesday in another qualifying tie.
Gabriel had delivered an impressive display during his time on the pitch as the Arsenal star bids to became a regular with Brazil. But Diniz and Arteta are now sweating over his fitness. The Selecao’s medical team quickly moved to apply ice to his right thigh whilst on the bench.
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Brazil are yet to determine the severity of Gabriel’s potential injury, leaving Arsenal anxiously waiting for updates. Arteta had just recalled the centre-half to his starting line-up before the international break. The 6 ft 2 ace opened the action against Manchester United last Sunday.
Arteta will hope Gabriel has avoided a major problem
It was Gabriel’s first start of the Premier League term after two substitute appearances from three potential games. Arteta chose against starting Gabriel amid interest from Saudi Arabia in his transfer. But the Brazilian showed why he should be playing with a smart performance.
Arteta will hope Gabriel has avoided a major injury ahead of Arsenal’s next Premier League games against Everton. The trip comes three days before the Gunners face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. Arteta will want a defender Gabriel Jesus praises the ‘quality’ of.