Arsenal’s preparations for a massive stretch of the season have been rocked by growing concerns over the fitness of defensive powerhouse Gabriel Magalhães.
According to multiple reports, the Brazilian centre-back could miss 1–2 months after picking up a thigh injury during the international break, a potentially huge setback for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The setback is particularly damaging given Gabriel’s importance to the team’s structure and success.
In fact, Arsenal’s win rate with the 27-year-old on the pitch sits at an impressive 64%, compared to just 40% when he is absent. His presence has become synonymous with stability, aggression, and leadership at the back.
As noted by David Ornstein, “Arsenal continuing to assess Gabriel amid concerns 27yo could miss 1-2 months through injury sustained on international duty. Initial indications suggest #AFC centre-back set for spell out but tests ongoing.”
Ornstein’s update underscores both the worry inside the club and the uncertainty surrounding the final diagnosis, with further medical assessments expected to clarify the full extent of the damage.
The news comes at the worst possible time for Arsenal, arriving just days before the North London Derby, a fixture where Gabriel’s influence has been undeniable. In his last two Premier League derbies against Tottenham, he delivered decisive contributions:
- a close-range header that sparked Arsenal’s comeback, and
- a match-winning header that sealed victory.
Losing a defender capable of stepping up in big moments adds significant pressure ahead of a fixture already charged with tension and rivalry.
Injury analyst Physio Scout on X offered further insight based on Ornstein’s report, explaining that,
“By the sounds of things, Gabriel has suffered a grade 2 adductor/groin injury. A grade 2 (partial tear) usually takes 4-6 weeks of rehab. This is consistent with the higher up groin injuries = longer recovery. Wishing Gabriel the best in his recovery.”
A grade 2 injury of this nature often affects acceleration, lateral movement, and strength, key attributes for a centre-back operating in Arsenal’s high defensive line.
Should Gabriel indeed be sidelined for the expected 1–2 months, he would miss some of Arsenal’s toughest fixtures of the season. Upcoming clashes include Tottenham and Bayern Munich at home, followed by a high-stakes London derby away at Chelsea.
The Gunners will then face Brentford (H) and Aston Villa (A), both of whom have caused trouble for top-six sides in recent campaigns.
With so many season-defining matches on the horizon, Arteta now faces a major selection dilemma at the heart of his defense. Fans will be hoping that the ongoing medical tests deliver better news, but for now, the club is bracing for a potentially damaging absence.
