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Arsenal are reportedly bracing themselves for a significant blow, with fears that key defender Gabriel Magalhaes could be sidelined until January due to injury. The centre-back was seen hobbling off the pitch during Brazil's match against Senegal on Saturday.

Gabriel and William Saliba have emerged as a formidable defensive pair for Arsenal in recent seasons. The duo, who have helped ensure the Gunners have only conceded five goals in the Premier League this season, have been instrumental in Mikel Arteta's side maintaining a four-point lead at the top of the table.

Their partnership is widely hailed as the best in English football, as Arsenal chase their first league title since 2004. However, the Gunners' robust defence looks set to take a hit amid worries that Gabriel will be out of action for several weeks.

According to BBC Sport, initial concerns suggest the 27-year-old will be absent for at least four weeks. It is claimed that the defender's absence could extend until January.

The precise extent of Gabriel's injury and his recovery timeline will reportedly be determined in the coming days.

The Brazilian is currently undergoing further evaluation, but is expected to miss Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur and several other matches throughout the remainder of 2025.

Gabriel's expression spoke volumes after being withdrawn with the injury on Saturday, as he buried his face in his shirt in anguish whilst departing the field. Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti initially indicated Gabriel had picked up an adductor problem, but subsequent scans revealed he had sustained a knee complaint.

The development follows another defensive blow, with Riccardo Calafiori compelled to abandon his international commitments with Italy and head back to London. Italian media reports confirmed the defender left the Italy squad on Saturday, ruling him out of his country's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday night.

He will now travel back to London, where Arsenal's medical team will evaluate his condition. Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso, said: "He tried to be available but he can't force now," regarding Calafiori's predicament.

It is understood that Arsenal's medical department have been informed of Calafiori's return to the capital, with the club not expecting any major concerns. Elsewhere, Norway manager Stale Solbakken reckons Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard remains "some distance away" from his own comeback.

Gabriel Jesus is also poised to make his return before the new year, following ACL surgery in late January. Additionally, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli are both recovering from hamstring and groin problems they sustained prior to the November international break.

Arteta's squad have secured eight victories, shared the points twice and suffered just one defeat in the league thus far. Their sole loss was at Anfield against Liverpool, thanks to a second-half free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.