Arsenal's Gabriel sidelined with thigh injury on Brazil duty

The defender will not travel to Lille for Tuesday's friendly with Tunisia

Premier League - Sunderland v Arsenal - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain – Nov 8, 2025 Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes in action with Sunderland's Wilson Isidor Action Images via Reuters/Lee

Arsenal defender Gabriel has been sidelined due to a muscle injury in his right thigh, the Brazilian soccer federation (CBF) said on Sunday, a day after he was forced off the field during a friendly with Senegal held at his club's ground in North London.

The 27-year-old, who has played in every Premier League match for leaders Arsenal this season, will not travel to Lille for Tuesday's friendly with Tunisia, the CBF added in a statement.

The statement did not provide an estimate of how long Gabriel could be out.

A hamstring injury Gabriel suffered in April had sidelined him for over three months.

The injury comes as a blow for Arsenal, who are set to face local rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea later this month, as they defend a four-point lead at the top of the table. Arsenal will also host Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Nov 26.

Gabriel is the second Arsenal defender to pick up an injury in the last week, with Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso confirming on Saturday that Riccardo Calafiori had left the national team's camp with a knock.

Arsenal forwards Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are also out with injuries, along with wingers Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard.

Forward Gabriel Jesus has returned to training after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in January, but is yet to make his competitive comeback.