Arsenal hit with Gabriel adductor injury ahead of north London derby as defender limps off in Brazil friendly win over Senegal

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of centre-back Gabriel after the defender went off injured during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Gabriel received treatment on his right leg shortly after the hour mark before being withdrawn. It comes after Riccardo Calafiori left the Italy camp ahead of Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Norway due to a hip issue.

Arsenal were dealt a potentially significant injury blow ahead of next weekend's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, after defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an adductor injury in Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium.

The centre-back went down just after the hour mark and remained on the pitch as he received treatment on his right leg.

He was eventually helped off, clutching what appeared to be his right groin, while a physio signalled to manager Carlo Ancelotti that a substitution was needed.

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Speaking afterwards, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti was asked for an early assessment of the injury.

"Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor. The medical staff have to check tomorrow," he said.

"We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon."

Gabriel has been outstanding this season and central to Arsenal's excellent defensive form, with the team conceding just five goals in their opening 11 Premier League matches.

The 27-year-old has also posed a consistent threat at set pieces, contributing two goals and three assists in all competitions.

Mikel Arteta will hope the setback proves minor, with a demanding run of fixtures looming. The Gunners face Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea immediately after the international break.

William Saliba and Gabriel have formed a formidable defensive partnership

Image credit: Getty Images

The squad is already stretched, though the existing absences are largely in attacking areas.

Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Jesus all missed the recent 2-2 draw at Sunderland.

Tottenham were handed an injury concern of their own as Senegal midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was forced off shortly after the interval.

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Brazil had earlier delivered an impressive first-half display, with goals from Chelsea winger Estevao and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro ultimately proving decisive - but many of those in attendance will have left contemplating the severity of Gabriel's injury.

Calafiori joins list of Gunners fitness concerns

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from Italy's camp and will miss Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Norway.

He has been managing a hip issue throughout the international break and sat out Thursday’s 2-0 win over Moldova.

Riccardo Calafiori has been a virtual ever-present at left-back

Image credit: Getty Images

Sky in Italy have reported that Calafiori, who will be present in the stadium for Italy’s match, continues to be troubled by persistent discomfort.

"Calafiori tried to train yesterday," said Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso on Saturday. "But we decided not to risk him. It's the right thing to do."

Cleared to depart the national team, Calafiori is expected to return to Arsenal in the coming days due to his ongoing fatigue issues. The Gunners resume Premier League action next Sunday at home to Spurs.

Should Calafiori be unavailable to face Thomas Frank's side, Arsenal are likely to turn to Piero Hincapie or Myles Lewis-Skelly for left-back cover.

Arsenal's next five fixtures

• Saturday, November 23 – Tottenham (H), 4.30pm (Premier League)
• Wednesday, November 26 – Bayern Munich (H), 8pm (UEFA Champions League) live on TNT Sports and discovery+
• Sunday, November 30 – Chelsea (A), 4.30pm (Premier League)
• Wednesday, December 3 – Brentford (H), 7.30pm (Premier League)
• Saturday, December 6 – Aston Villa (A), 12.30pm (Premier League) - live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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