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

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.

What games could Gabriel miss for Arsenal?

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.

How might Arsenal line up without Gabriel

Unlike in seasons gone by, Arsenal’s proactive approach in this summer’s transfer market has left Arteta with a number of suitable replacements for Gabriel.

Cristhian Mosquera deputised to great effect earlier in the season when Saliba was forced off against Liverpool at Anfield, and has impressed when given minutes in other competitions this season.

Otherwise, fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie could be given the nod, particularly given he is naturally left-footed and could slot in alongside Saliba to maintain Arsenal’s balance in defence.

The Ecuadorian is yet to start a league game for Arsenal since joining from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, but has already impressed new boss Arteta who described him as a ‘warrior’.

Another potential option could be to move Riccardo Calafiori infield to play at left centre-back, a role he has played previously at club and international level.

Myles Lewis-Skelly could then fill in at left-back to provide the Englishman with some much-needed game time.

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