Arsenal Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Crucial Matches

Arsenal is grappling with a significant injury crisis, with notable players such as Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined in recent weeks. Riccardo Calafiori has also returned to North London after sustaining an injury while training with the Italian national team, which will prevent him from participating in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Norway.

The latest addition to the treatment table appears to be Gabriel, a concerning development for the North London club as they prepare for three pivotal matches following the international break.

The sight of their most valuable defender leaving the pitch during an international friendly at the Emirates sparked intense reactions from Arsenal supporters on social media. One fan, Jadinho97, expressed frustration on X, stating, “Gabriel getting injured on international duty at the Emirates has sent my head to Mars.” Another user, Edduizy, remarked, “Gabriel off injured for Brazil in yet another useless friendly.”

User @sakamvent questioned, “What is the point of international breaks? Calafiori and Gabriel are now injured, just when we thought we would catch a bit of a break with injuries they start to pile up again.” LongJeff described the situation as “horrific horrible news,” while BiancaKG’s response was more self-serving: “Gabriel getting injured doesn’t bode well for my FPL Team.”

The outcry from concerned Arsenal fans is understandable. Gabriel has been a cornerstone of the Gunners’ defense, playing every minute of their Premier League campaign thus far, as well as participating in all four of their Champions League matches. During his time on the pitch this season, Arsenal has conceded only five goals, and he has also contributed two goals offensively.

This suspected injury could not have come at a worse time for Mikel Arteta’s squad. After the international break, Arsenal’s first challenge is a fierce rivalry match against Tottenham on November 23, followed by a high-profile encounter with Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich—who are currently undefeated, having won sixteen consecutive games to start the 2025/26 season. The demanding week for the title hopefuls will conclude with another London derby against third-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

With the injury list growing, no player will be more vital to these challenging fixtures than the formidable Brazilian. Arsenal supporters are anxiously hoping that Gabriel’s exit was merely precautionary, allowing him to participate in this demanding series of upcoming matches.