Arsenal Face Major Setback as Gabriel Thigh Injury Could Rule Him Out Until 2026

Arsenal Face Major Setback as Gabriel Thigh Injury Could Rule Him Out Until 2026

Arsenal’s season has been dealt a potentially serious blow with growing fears that Gabriel Magalhães could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with Brazil. The centre-back was forced off just after the hour mark in Brazil’s 2–0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium and was subsequently withdrawn from the squad, immediately raising alarm in north London.

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According to reports, Gabriel is set to undergo further tests on his right thigh, with early indications suggesting he could be out for up to two months. If that timeline is confirmed, the 27-year-old may not return until late January, ruling him out for the remainder of 2025. A more optimistic assessment could still see him sidelined for around a month, but even that would represent a significant disruption to Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Why Gabriel’s Absence Matters

Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers in recent seasons, forming one of the league’s most effective centre-back partnerships alongside William Saliba. Beyond his defensive presence, he is also a major weapon at set pieces, regularly contributing crucial goals. Arsenal supporters will remember how Saliba’s injury derailed their title challenge in 2022–23, and losing Gabriel carries a similar sense of danger.

Injury Problems Continue to Mount

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Gabriel now joins an already concerning injury list that includes Martin Ødegaard, Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus. While Arteta has hinted that several of those players could return after the international break, the squad remains stretched. Ødegaard is not expected back until early December, while Jesus continues his long recovery from an ACL injury and is targeting a January return.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal have shown resilience, maintaining top spot in the Premier League and opening a four-point gap over Manchester City—a testament to both squad depth and mental strength.

A Demanding Run Without Gabriel

Should Gabriel miss two months, he could be absent for up to 15 matches across four competitions. That run includes high-profile fixtures such as the north London derby against Tottenham, a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, league trips to Chelsea and Brighton, and domestic cup ties in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. The period will test Arsenal’s defensive structure to its limits.

Who Can Step In?

Arteta does have options, though none offer a like-for-like replacement. Riccardo Calafiori is the most natural left-sided alternative and is comfortable operating centrally, but moving him would create issues at left-back. Summer signing Piero Hincapié is another option, though he is still adapting to Arsenal’s system.

Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Cristhian Mosquera could also be considered, but all would require positional compromises. How Arteta navigates this period may prove decisive in Arsenal’s push for silverware this season.