Arsenal's North London Derby Blow
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad has been dealt another significant injury setback ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The international break has once again proven costly for the Gunners, with defender Gabriel Magalhaes sustaining a muscle injury while playing for Brazil.
The 27-year-old centre-back was forced to hobble off the pitch during Brazil's 2-0 friendly victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, visibly holding his upper thigh. Subsequent medical scans confirmed the worst fears at the Emirates, revealing a muscle injury in his right thigh that makes him a major doubt for next weekend's north London derby.
The Brazilian Football Confederation released an official statement confirming the severity of the situation: "Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille."
Ancelotti's Apology and Defensive Concerns
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his regret following the match, stating: "Bad? I don't know, he had a problem on his adductor - the medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon."
This development represents a crushing blow for Arsenal, particularly considering Gabriel's status as one of their most impactful players this season. The timing couldn't be worse, with crucial matches against Tottenham, Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge looming.
There was some positive news regarding left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who returned early from Italy duty as a precaution. However, his issue isn't considered serious enough to rule him out of the Tottenham encounter.
Gilberto Silva's Transfer Recommendation
Meanwhile, former Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva has publicly advised his old club to pursue a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. The Gunners had shown interest in the Brazilian international during the summer transfer window, but their pursuit cooled as Rodrygo appeared reluctant to leave Madrid and Arsenal instead secured the signing of Eberechi Eze.
The situation at Real Madrid has become increasingly frustrating for Rodrygo, who finds himself in a supporting role under manager Xabi Alonso this season and is yet to score a goal. Gilberto believes his fellow countryman would be an excellent addition to Arteta's squad.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gilberto explained: "I know him and we've met a couple of times, but I don't know his situation with Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club."
He continued: "It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he's a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench - but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well."
Rodrygo comes with impressive credentials, having been described by Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid's "most talented and gifted player". His potential availability could provide Arsenal with additional attacking quality as they navigate their injury concerns and maintain their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
