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Arsenal star targets Villa clash for injury comeback

Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to be out until the end of the year, according to a report, as the Brazilian closes in on a return from injury.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel of Arsenal applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2025. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Sky Sports News report that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes remains absent from team training as of Tuesday morning, a month after the centre-back’s initial setback.

Sky suggest Gabriel could be targeting a return against Aston Villa on Thursday, December 30th.

Martin Zubimendi was also absent from training, but he isn’t injured as far as Sky are aware, so he was likely just training indoors on this occasion.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on October 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Sky’s update is broadly consistent with Sami Mokbel’s report for the BBC on Monday, with Mokbel writing that Gabriel’s injury will keep him sidelined until the end of the year.

The Villa game is the very final match of 2025, so that timeline tracks with both reports.

There’s certainly no expectation Gabriel will be back for Arsenal’s next game against Everton, with Arsenal travelling away to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time on Saturday.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Gabriel of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Gabriel was arguably Arsenal’s Player of the Season before his injury, putting in countless impressive defensive displays whilst also directly contributing to five goals at other end.

There’s no doubt the Gunners’ set-piece threat has dipped in Gabriel’s absence, albeit that their opening goal on Saturday came from a corner.

But the clean sheets have also dried up, with only one in the five Premier League games without Gabriel available. The 27-year-old’s return will be very welcome, whenever it arrives.

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