Key Takeaways:
- Gabriel Magalhães suffered a right thigh muscle injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal and will miss the North London derby with Tottenham
- Further assessments are ongoing, but Gabriel’s recovery is projected to take one to two months, potentially causing him to miss up to fifteen fixtures for Arsenal
- Riccardo Calafiori, following his injury in Italy camp, is anticipated to return in time for the upcoming derby against Tottenham
Defensive Woes for League Leaders
Arsenal are navigating a significant setback as they approach a crucial stage of the season, following reports that Gabriel Magalhães may be sidelined for up to two months. The Brazilian centre-back sustained a muscle injury to his right thigh during his nation’s friendly with Senegal, according to the Daily Mail. Medical staff are still evaluating the extent of the damage, but it has been confirmed that Gabriel will not feature in the forthcoming North London derby against Tottenham.
Arsenal’s season of injuries is officially underway 😭🔴🚑
Gabriel Magalhães is set to miss up to TWO months after picking up an injury while on international duty with Brazil, per @DavidOrnsttein 😟 pic.twitter.com/KaEuCez8EF
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) November 18, 2025
Implications for Arteta’s Squad amid a Packed Fixture List
The defender, aged 27, has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s side, which has conceded just five goals in eleven Premier League matches so far. This strong defensive record has contributed to Arsenal’s rise to the summit of the current table, with Gabriel playing a pivotal role.
His absence comes at a particularly challenging time, as Arsenal are scheduled to face high-profile opponents including Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea over the coming weeks. According to The Sun, Gabriel could miss up to fifteen matches in total while sidelined.
| Player | Injury | Estimated Return | Matches Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Magalhães | Right thigh muscle injury | 1 to 2 months | Up to 15 |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Undisclosed injury (sustained in Italy camp) | Expected for Tottenham derby | Unspecified |
Injury Updates from the International Break
While Gabriel’s prognosis remains uncertain pending further tests, Arsenal have at least received some optimistic news regarding Riccardo Calafiori. Despite his withdrawal from the Italy squad due to injury, Calafiori is expected to recover in time for the crucial clash with Tottenham.
