November 15, (THEWILL) — Arsenal face defensive worries after Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori picked up injuries whilst on international duty with Brazil and Italy.
The pair are key components of a backline that has conceded just five goals across all competitions this season, including eight consecutive clean sheets.
Gabriel sustained a right groin problem during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium, forcing him off in the second half after signalling to the bench.
The 23-year-old Calafiori departed Italy’s camp on Saturday before their World Cup qualifier against Norway, though his issue is reportedly not considered serious.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti had selected Gabriel in his starting line-up for the friendly fixture.
Manager Mikel Arteta now confronts a tricky period with five matches scheduled across 13 days. The north London derby against Tottenham on 23 November is followed by UEFA Champions League opponents Bayern Munich three days later, then a trip to Chelsea.
Both defenders contribute significantly in attack, with Calafiori inverting from left-back and Gabriel a threat from set pieces.
Depth options include Piero Hincapié on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, Cristhian Mosquera, and teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Mosquera has already deputised for William Saliba during the Frenchman’s ankle injury earlier this campaign. England manager Thomas Tuchel has told Lewis-Skelly he must secure more minutes to feature in his 2026 World Cup plans.
Arsenal maintains a four-point advantage at the English Premier League summit despite dropping points against Sunderland before the international break.
The Gunners also sit second in the UCL standings after four consecutive victories.
However, the squad is already without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, and Martin Ødegaard, limiting attacking resources.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
