Arsenal are bracing for confirmation of the severity of the thigh injury suffered by defender Gabriel Magalhães while on international duty with Brazil, amid growing concerns that he could be sidelined for several weeks. 

The centre-back limped off during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium, appearing in clear discomfort before being withdrawn.

Initial indications suggest that the 27-year-old may miss at least four weeks, with some sources warning that his recovery could stretch into January. 

Gabriel has returned to London for further assessment, and Arsenal expect a definitive diagnosis in the coming days after additional scans and medical evaluations.

The setback comes at a difficult time for Mikel Arteta, who must now prepare for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham without one of his most reliable defenders. 

Gabriel has formed a solid centre-back partnership with William Saliba, contributing to a defensive line that has conceded only five Premier League goals this season. 

Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera are the leading candidates to fill the gap should Gabriel be ruled out.

Injuries have been a recurring theme for Arsenal despite their position at the top of the Premier League table. Captain Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyökeres are all recovering from various issues, and while several are nearing a return, it remains unclear whether any will be fit in time for the clash with Spurs.

The Brazilian defender’s injury adds to a growing list of fitness concerns for Arteta, who has had to navigate multiple disruptions to his squad throughout the campaign.

The club is hopeful that upcoming assessments will provide a clearer timeline for the return of key players, including Gabriel.

As Arsenal continue to push for their first league title in two decades, the next few days will be crucial in determining how severely their defensive depth will be tested heading into one of the most important fixtures of their season.