Arsenal Defender Gabriel Set for Extended Absence Due to Injury

Arsenal defender Gabriel will be sidelined for several weeks following a thigh injury he sustained while on international duty, according to head coach Mikel Arteta.

The centre-back left the field in evident distress during Brazil’s friendly match against Senegal at Emirates Stadium last weekend and was subsequently unable to participate in a match against Tunisia three days later.

The 27-year-old has been in exceptional form for Arsenal this season, playing a crucial role in a defense that has conceded only five league goals thus far, helping the team establish a four-point lead at the top of the table.

“Gabi is going to be out for weeks,” Arteta stated, adding that the defender is scheduled for another scan next Wednesday, which should provide a clearer estimate of his recovery timeline.

Gabriel, who joined Arsenal from Lille for £23.1 million in 2020, has started all 11 of the club’s Premier League matches this season.

Arsenal will face their rivals Tottenham this Sunday at 16:30 GMT.

Additionally, Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres remains unavailable due to a hamstring issue.