Carlo Ancelotti could not confirm the extent of Gabriel’s injury after the defender limped out of Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates, leaving Arsenal with yet another concern during an already bruising international break.
The 27-year-old had a problem with his right thigh just before the hour and was replaced after receiving treatment on the pitch.
Speaking afterwards, the Brazil manager admitted he had no clarity. “Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem with his adductor. We are really sorry for this,” said Ancelotti.
Gabriel has been one of the constants in Arsenal’s defence this season and any spell on the sidelines would be a problem at both ends of the pitch for the Gunners.
The situation is compounded by Riccardo Calafiori’s hip problem, which has seen him withdraw from Italy duty and return to London for assessment.
Arsenal have already been stretched by injuries across the squad. Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus have all been working their way back from various issues over recent weeks and months.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has also hinted that Odegaard is unlikely to return in time for the North London derby.
With Gabriel now awaiting further tests, Arsenal face the possibility of entering a crucial run of fixtures with a patched-up back line as well as a forward unit still missing many of its key components.
Good job Arsenal’s squad is so big, eh?