Arsenal defender Gabriel has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Tunisia after suffering a thigh injury during the national team’s recent victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old underwent medical scans following the match, which confirmed the extent of the problem. As a result, he will remain in London to continue his recovery rather than travelling with the squad to Lille, where Brazil are set to face Tunisia on Tuesday.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment over the setback, acknowledging Gabriel’s importance to both club and country. “We are really sorry for this, really disappointed,” Ancelotti said following Saturday’s win. “When a player has an injury, you hope they can recover well and soon.”
Gabriel’s absence will be a concern for Arsenal, who have relied heavily on his defensive consistency this season. The Brazilian has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s back line, helping the Premier League leaders build one of the strongest defensive records in the division. The Gunners have conceded just five goals in 11 league games, a statistic that underlines the stability Gabriel has brought to their rearguard.
The injury comes at a critical point in Arsenal’s campaign, with crucial fixtures on the horizon. Arteta’s side are set to face fierce north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on November 23, a match that could have major implications for the title race. Just days later, they host Bayern Munich in the Champions League — a demanding test for a squad already juggling the pressures of domestic and European competition.
While the exact timeline for Gabriel’s recovery has not been disclosed, the decision to keep him in London suggests Arsenal’s medical staff will oversee his rehabilitation closely to ensure he returns fully fit. His absence could open the door for defensive partners such as William Saliba or Jakub Kiwior to take on a greater role during this crucial period.
For Brazil, the setback is a reminder of the challenges posed by a congested international calendar. As the squad continues preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Ancelotti will be hoping the injury does not sideline one of his key defensive options for long.
