Gabriel Magalhães is a major doubt for next Sunday's north London derby after scans confirmed a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with Brazil. Arsenal are concerned that the influential defender could face a significant spell on the sidelines.
The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday. Brazil's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, stated that Gabriel had a problem with his adductor, and further tests revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. The Brazilian federation confirmed he will not travel for Tuesday's friendly against Tunisia in Lille, instead returning to his club for treatment.
Gabriel has played every minute of Arsenal's Premier League campaign so far, with the defence conceding only five goals in 11 games and keeping eight consecutive clean sheets before the 2-2 draw at Sunderland. His potential absence is a significant blow to Mikel Arteta's title ambitions.
Arteta has options to cover, with Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié capable of playing centre-back. Riccardo Calafiori also withdrew from Italy's squad due to minor issues, but his injury is not thought to be serious.
Martin Ødegaard remains a doubt for the derby, with Norway manager Stale Solbakken admitting the captain is still some distance from playing. However, Arteta hopes Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres could return against Tottenham, while Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are closing in on comebacks from long-term knee injuries.
