Gabriel ruled out for weeks ahead of north London derby
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has announced that centre-back Gabriel will be out for ‘weeks’ ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster north London derby showdown with Tottenham, reports BritPanorama.
The defender was injured during Brazil’s clash with Senegal last Saturday and will miss the upcoming match at the Emirates Stadium as a result.
Gabriel has been integral to Arsenal’s defensive line this season, with the team conceding just five goals in their first 11 matches. His absence is a significant setback as the Gunners pursue a title challenge.
Arteta, speaking at a pre-match press conference, noted, “Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the national team. He will be out for weeks. We need to have another scan next Wednesday. We will have the timeline much more clearly than we have at the moment.” He added, “It’s clearly a blow. It’s our leader in our backline. To miss him is never a positive thing. The good thing is we have some very good options. They need to stand up now.”
In terms of other team updates, Arsenal’s situation remains precarious. Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyökeres are also sidelined, with Arteta hoping some may return in time for the match.
“We’ve put in a lot of energy during the international break, with all the medical staff as well, to try to bring them back as quickly as possible,” Arteta explained. “Tomorrow we have another training session, see how some of them are feeling, whether it’s a bit too close for this game, or we feel that they can make a contribution in the game.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham has received some positive news regarding their squad. Thomas Frank confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Randal Kolo Muani will all be available for the derby, but Dominic Solanke will not be ready in time.
As anticipation builds for what is bound to be an electric atmosphere at the Emirates, Arsenal must adapt to Gabriel’s absence, a reminder of the ongoing unpredictability that defines Premier League football.
