Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel injury blow and timescale for Arsenal return

Gabriel Magalhaes may not play for Arsenal until after Christmas due to a thigh injury as Mikel Arteta ruled him out for “weeks”.

The news comes as a major blow to the Premier League leaders as they head into a crunch week that includes the London derbies against Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as the visit of Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Gabriel was forced off during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium , with the centre-back subsequently returning to Arsenal for treatment and further assessment.

The 27-year-old has played in all 11 Premier League games for Arsenal this season and formed a key part of Arteta’s defence which has conceded just five goals this term. He also brings threat from set-pieces and has contributed to three league goals.

The Gunners return from the international break with a four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City

Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori , who has also been an ever-present part of Arsenal’s defence, has not trained before the north London derby. The left back withdrew from Italy’s squad during the international break due to a hip issue.