The Gunners' Vital Center-Back Gabriel Could Be Out for at Least One Month with Thigh Strain

Arsenal are concerned that center-back Gabriel Magalhães may be out of action for a minimum of one month after suffering a thigh injury while playing for Brazil in the past few days.

The Brazilian defender was forced off during the Seleção's 2-0 victory against Senegal in a friendly at the North London venue on the weekend and has since gone back to his club for further assessments.

Club tests are continuing, and Arsenal have not yet announce the exact extent of the 27-year-old absence.

However, he is not expected to play for the upcoming North London derby on Sunday or the European match with Bayern Munich only later.

Possible Layoff and Key Fixtures

It is feared that Gabriel could miss a minimum of one month, maybe more, depending on the severity of the injury.

This would see him miss of several vital matches, like:

• Premier League fixtures against the Blues and the Bees at home
• An road trip to play Aston Villa
• The European clash at Brugge on 10 December

The Arsenal side—who currently hold a significant advantage over Manchester City—then meet Wolverhampton at home before a rearranged fixture to Everton on 20 December.

Significant Blow for The Title Challenge

Being without Gabriel would be a major setback for the Gunners in their title challenge.

The defender has played each minute of the top-flight campaign so far and is integral to a backline that has conceded just five times in 11 outings.

Before the latest tie at the Stadium of Light, the side had recorded eight straight shutouts in every tournament.

Cover Choices and Other Injury Worries

Mosquera and fellow new signing Hincapié are in contention to replace the Brazilian against Spurs.

There are also questions over whether forward Viktor Gyökeres will be back to lead the line after missing Arsenal's final two matches before the pause due to a hamstring injury.

In other news, German manager Nagelsmann stated that Kai Havertz has suffered a “minor relapse” during his recovery from a joint problem.

Although Mikel Arteta had been optimistic about the player's return this weekend, the national team boss suggested that Havertz is currently expected to return in late December.

Squad Stretched to the Limit

Arsenal saw their title bid hurt last season by a series of fitness issues and spent significantly in the transfer window to reinforce the team.

However, with skipper Ødegaard additionally on the injured list—along with Madueke and Martinelli—the team is feeling the pressure significantly.