Arsenal dealt huge Gabriel Magalhaes injury blow

Arsenal have been dealt a big injury blow to Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes following the star’s muscle injury picked up in an international friendly against Senegal over the weekend.

Gabriel has been released by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) back to Arsenal, and could potentially miss next weekend’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The defender limped off during Saturday’s international friendly at the Emirates Stadium, where Brazil secured a 2-0 victory.

The 27-year-old centre-back appeared in discomfort before receiving treatment on the pitch. Brazil have now confirmed he suffered a muscle injury and will not travel with the squad to face Tunisia in France on Tuesday.

A statement from the national team read: “Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.

“Therefore, he will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille.”

Brazil bos Carlo Ancelotti had apologised as he reacted to the injury setback.

Speaking after his side’s win over Senegal, he admitted: “Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow [Sunday].

“We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury, I hope they can recover well and soon.”

Gabriel has played every minute in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by four points, having lost just once in 11 matches.

Meanwhile, Gabriel has been pivotal in defence for the Gunners, conceding only five goals and recording seven clean sheets so far this season in the Premier League.