The Brazilian Football Confederation has announced that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has suffered a right thigh muscle injury, following his substitution in Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal. The 27-year-old centre-back was visibly distressed as he left the pitch shortly after the hour mark, prompting immediate medical evaluation.
Subsequent imaging tests confirmed the extent of the problem, leading to Gabriel’s withdrawal from Brazil’s squad ahead of their scheduled match against Tunisia in Lille. The federation stated that no replacement will be called up, underscoring the confidence in the current squad depth despite the setback.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed regret over the incident, offering an apology to Arsenal and acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the defender’s recovery timeline. “We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury, I hope they can recover well and soon,” Ancelotti remarked.
For Arsenal, the timing of the injury is particularly concerning. Gabriel has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup this season, and his absence could prove costly ahead of the highly anticipated North London Derby against Tottenham next weekend. With fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori also nursing a hip issue, Arsenal’s backline faces a period of potential instability.
Despite the setback, Brazil remain focused on their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, having already secured qualification. Meanwhile, Arsenal supporters will anxiously await further updates on Gabriel’s condition, hoping the injury does not sideline him for an extended period.
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