Arsenal fans will be getting some bad news about Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian is a vital part of the Gunners’ defense and is supposed to be kept aside due to an injury for quite a few weeks and not ruling out that the recovery could even be as late as January. The fact that Gabriel collided with his thigh during his international duties and the subsequent scare which has been very negatively Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ title ambitions is what prompted this news.
Gabriel Magalhaes Injury: Arsenal
Gabriel got injured during the friendly match between Brazil and Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. The player was taken off the field. Later on, the scans revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta informed that Gabriel will be missing “for weeks”. He also indicated that the exact recovery time will be known after more scans.
Medical Reports
Even though Arsenal has not pinpointed the exact moment when Gabriel will be back, the info from multiple sources is that he will be out of the game for one or two months. On the negative side, if the condition worsens, we will not be able to watch Gabriel until late January; however, on the bright side, he would be back before Christmas if things go well.
The physio-scout report points out the possibility that Gabriel suffered a Grade 2 adductor (groin) injury, which usually takes three to six weeks for complete recovery depending on the nature of the injury. That period corresponds with the most conservative club insider predictions.
Manager’s Words
Arteta was referring to the bad luck that befell the incident. By referring to Gabriel as the “leader of our backline” he was emphasizing how the Arsenal defensive line was heavily dependent on him. The situation could get worse. Arsenal are having crucial games. They will face Tottenham in North London Derby. The Gunners will compete in Champions League against Bayern Munich. In Premier League they have matches against Chelsea and other strong teams.
Arsenal Defensive Depth
The absence of Gabriel will likely prompt Mikel Arteta to rely on Piero Hincapié or Cristhian Mosquera to take the place next to William Saliba. However, it is a huge problem just to point out what Arteta is missing in the defense because of not having someone like Gabriel’s leadership, Jib aerial power, and his years of experience at the back will make the struggle tough and slow.
This is an injury that follows a series of serious fitness problems that have been plaguing Gabriel. Earlier this year, Gabriel was at a point where he had to undergo a surgery for a hamstring injury and had to take a break from the 2024/25 season. Though he made a good start of the new season, this recent injury poses a threat to the progress he has made.
Another Issue
Furthermore, an injury expert believed that because Gabriel was holding his groin and hobbling. The area might be more seriously damaged than just muscle tightening. That is why Arsenal is cautious with him: if they do it too soon not only will they be risking his return but also a possible second injury.
Currently, the club, the coaching staff, and the fans are in a waiting mode. More scan results are awaited shortly, which will indicate the return time more accurately. The concern at the moment is that Gabriel may be out until January. In case it is true it would be a massive loss of defensive stability for Arsenal.
Author’s Insight
In brief, Arsenal are gearing up for their main defender’s indefinite and quite possibly long absence. There is definitely suspense. Every game without Gabriel is a test of the squad’s depth and willpower under Mikel Arteta.
