Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been ruled out with a knee issue and has pulled out of the national team.
The Brazilian Football Federation confirmed that Gabriel will miss upcoming friendlies against France national football team and Croatia national football team in the United States after scans revealed pain in his right knee.
The centre-back had just completed a full match in Arsenal’s recent defeat in the Carabao Cup final.
Gabriel is not alone in missing international action. Fellow defender William Saliba has also withdrawn from the France squad, while midfielder Eberechi Eze pulled out of England’s national football team selection due to a calf injury sustained in a Champions League match.
Brazil will face France and Croatia in two international friendlies this March international break as parts of their 2026 World Cup coming up in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In total, six players from Arsenal have withdrawn from international duty ahead of the upcoming break, dealing a potential blow to the club as they continue their push for the Premier League title.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had initially included Eze in his squad for friendlies against Uruguay national football team and Japan national football team, but the midfielder’s fitness concerns forced his withdrawal.
In response, Arsenal defender Ben White has been called up as a replacement.
Elsewhere, winger Leandro Trossard will miss Belgium national football team fixtures due to injury, while club captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber are already sidelined with ongoing issues.
Despite the growing injury list, Arsenal remain in a strong position domestically, leading the Premier League table by nine points over Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The Gunners will return to action in early April with an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton, followed by a Champions League tie against Sporting and a league fixture against Bournemouth.
