Gabriel Ruled Out for Weeks with Thigh Injury – Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that central defender Gabriel will be sidelined for “weeks” after suffering a thigh injury on international duty with Brazil.

The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s recent friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium and was later ruled out of their following match versus Tunisia.

“Gabi is going to be out for weeks,” Arteta said in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“He’ll have another scan next Wednesday to determine a more accurate timeline.”

Key Role in Arsenal’s Defence

Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, anchoring a backline that has conceded just five goals in 11 Premier League games, helping the Gunners build a four-point lead at the top of the table.

Signed for £23.1 million from Lille in 2020, Gabriel has started every league game this season and has been integral to Arteta’s defensive stability.

Who Will Replace Gabriel?

Arteta confirmed that Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are in contention to replace Gabriel in the starting XI when Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s North London Derby (16:30 GMT).

“It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our backline,” Arteta added.

“The good thing is we have very good options. Now people have to stand up and do the job.”

Additional Fitness Concerns

Arsenal’s injury worries extend beyond Gabriel:

• Riccardo Califiori, who withdrew from Italy duty with a hip issue, has not trained yet since returning to London.

  “He has been carrying a few things… We’ll give him every opportunity to prove his fitness,” said Arteta.

• Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres is still unavailable due to a hamstring problem.

With a huge derby on the horizon, Arteta will be hoping for positive news from the medical room as Arsenal seek to maintain their title momentum.