Brazil Fine-Tunes Ahead of 2026 World Cup Amid Injury Concerns for Arsenal Players

Having already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Brazil is currently refining its lineup in anticipation of next summer’s tournament to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The five-time champions continued their preparations with a 2-0 victory over Senegal on Saturday, with Chelsea winger Estevao and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro contributing to the scoreline at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal’s pursuit of their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 season may face a significant setback as defender Gabriel had to be substituted due to an adductor injury shortly after the hour mark. The 27-year-old was replaced by Roma full-back Wesley Franca while Ancelotti’s team celebrated their second victory in three matches.

Post-match, Ancelotti indicated that Gabriel would be evaluated by Brazil’s medical team the following day to assess the seriousness of his injury, expressing regret over the incident. He remarked, “Bad? I don’t know; he had a problem with his adductor. The medical staff needs to check tomorrow. We are really sorry about this—truly disappointed. When players are injured, I hope for their quick and full recovery.”

Gabriel has been a key player for Arsenal during the 2025-26 season, netting two goals across all competitions. His contributions have been vital, as he has appeared in every one of the club’s 17 matches this season, aiding Mikel Arteta’s squad in reaching the top of the Premier League and sharing the lead in the Champions League standings.

In another blow to Arsenal, fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori also withdrew from international duty with Italy due to injury. Azzurri manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed Calafiori’s departure from the training camp, stating, “We attempted to assess Calafiori, but he experienced a few issues. I appreciate his commitment; he stayed here for a week. He could have possibly played, but it wouldn’t have been fair to him or to Arsenal. We will evaluate who will play between Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Buongiorno.”

Currently, Arsenal is dealing with several players sidelined due to injuries, including Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, and Martin Odegaard. Earlier in the week, Norway manager Stale Solbakken provided a disappointing update regarding Odegaard, indicating that the captain is still “some distance away” from complete rehabilitation following medial ligament damage to his left knee sustained during a league match against West Ham on October 4.

“It is steady,” Solbakken stated when asked about Odegaard’s condition. “It is progressing in a steady direction, but he is still quite far from returning. He will fly to Oslo following his rehab on Thursday, and will continue his recovery with us from Thursday afternoon onwards.” Despite his injury, Odegaard chose to join the Norway national team, which stands on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, currently leading Group I with a substantial advantage over second-placed Italy.

Arsenal is awaiting updates on the severity of both Gabriel and Calafiori’s injuries as they prepare to resume Premier League action next Sunday, facing off against rivals Tottenham in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium. Thomas Frank’s Spurs currently sit fifth in the table, trailing Arsenal by eight points.