Arsenal suffer blow with Gabriel Magalhaes pulling out of Brazil duty

Arsenal have suffered an injury blow on Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester City later this month.

The centre-back has been an undisputed starter for the Gunners since September this term, but it is left to be seen whether he will be fit to face Pep Guardiola’s side.

Magalhaes was initially picked in the Brazil squad for the friendlies against England and Spain, but the country’s football federation have now confirmed his withdrawal.

They did not specify the nature of the injury, but confirmed that he has been ‘uncalled’ with Juventus’ Gleison Bremer joining the international squad in his absence.

Bremer, zagueiro da Juventus (ITA), foi convocado para a Seleção Brasileira, que enfrenta a Inglaterra no próximo sábado (23), em Wembley, e a Espanha, no dia 26, no Santiago Bernabéu.

O anúncio foi feito nesta segunda-feira (18) por Dorival Júnior, que divulgou também o corte… pic.twitter.com/hO36JoZ9cO

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 18, 2024

It is unclear when the centre-back picked up his injury. It could have been against Porto where his ankle was kicked when he tried to dribble against four players.

The €65 million-rated star has been hugely influential alongside William Saliba in the title charge and the fans will be hoping that he has only suffered a minor issue.

Arsenal are currently just goal difference ahead of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, there is only one point which separates them from third-placed Manchester City. The Gunners will be travelling to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the month.

A victory would be a huge statement and would boost the club’s chances of ending a two-decade wait for the title. Hopefully, Gabriel will be deemed fit for the crucial trip.

In case he is sidelined, manager Mikel Arteta may field Jakub Kiwior or Takehiro Tomiyasu alongside Saliba.

Jurrien Timber would be an outsider to make the XI, having just returned from a serious knee injury.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com