Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is missing from Brazil’s crucial World Cup qualifier with rivals Argentina after a difficult situation for the centre-back.
The 27-year-old has been a key player at the back for the Gunners yet again this season, putting in some consistently dominant performances.
It’s no wonder that, as a result, Gabriel Magalhaes has become something of a regular for the Brazil national team after years of being on the fringes.
As it stands, the Arsenal star is embroiled in a tight race for World Cup qualification with the teams around them.
However, Gabriel won’t be available for a crucial match against long-time rivals Argentina.
Gabriel Magalhaes misses Argentina vs Brazil through suspension
Brazil head into their final match of the March international break third in the World Cup qualification table.
The top six are set to go through to the 2026 World Cup, with a healthy eight-point gap there for the Selecao.
While that is useful, there is a huge group of teams around them with just a couple of points separating them all.
That could impact coefficient rankings and, in turn, the group that Brazil end up in for the coming tournament next summer.
While a win over current leaders Argentina would go a long way to boosting the side’s hope of a top finish, they are without Gabriel for it.
That’s because Gabriel is suspended, following his yellow card picked up against Colombia last time out.
As a result, Gabriel has returned to Arsenal early, which at the very least is an injury boost as it prevents him from risking himself before the next Premier League match.
Arsenal international break has almost gone perfectly
As far as international breaks have gone, the two-week gap between games hasn’t gone as badly as some previously.
Most key stars have returned fine, and while Jurrien Timber did pick up an illness, he is expected to return soon.
There is a slight knee injury issue for Riccardo Calafiori that could see him spend a small spell on the sidelines, though it is hoped he could be back soon.
With Gabriel returning, Martin Odegaard is the final first-team star playing in the international break with Norway before he is back in action.
If the club captain returns in fine spirits, then Arsenal will be at nearly full strength to have a push in the Premier League and Champions League for the rest of the season.
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