The Arsenal games Gabriel could miss as Mikel Arteta dealt major injury blow

Gabriel picked up an injury on international duty (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal fear they could be without Gabriel until January as they await further tests on the injury the defender picked up on international duty.

Gabriel was forced off while playing for Brazil in Saturday’s friendly against Senegal with a groin problem.

The 27-year-old pulled up off the ball on the hour mark and hobbled off after receiving treatment from Brazil ’s medical team on his right thigh.

After initial tests, Gabriel was ruled out of Brazil’s friendly with Tunisia on Tuesday, with the federation adding in a statement: ‘Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.’

Gabriel has been a vital part of Arsenal’s superb form this season, his partnership with fellow centre-back William Saliba a large part of why Mikel Arteta ’s side have only conceded five goals in the league.

And while further scans await to determine the exact nature of the injury and the timeline for recovery, the BBC report that initial examinations suggest Gabriel could be out until January.

That potential timeline would come as a huge blow for the Gunners ahead of what could prove a pivotal and busy period of their season.

Gabriel picked up the injury against Senegal (Picture: Getty)

Gabriel has played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign so far, but now looks set to miss Sunday’s north London derby at home to Tottenham.

After that, Arteta’s side host Bayern Munich in the Champions League before a visit to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea at the end of November.

However, the fixtures do not relent after that, with Arsenal facing Brentford, Aston Villa and Club Brugge within seven days to start December.

After that, they have games against Wolves and Everton in the league before a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace just prior to Christmas.

Home games against Brighton and Aston Villa round out the year, before Arsenal then turn their attention to Bournemouth and a huge game against Liverpool at the start of 2026.