Arsenal will not be in action for another two weeks due to the international break but despite this, fans are already fretting over their upcoming fixture: a crucial Premier League trip to rivals Manchester City.
The reason for this is simple: while this is mainly down to the title race, a recent report has emerged claiming one key Emirates Stadium defender has picked up an injury that was significant enough to force him to withdraw from his national team.
That man is Gabriel Magalhães, the highly-rated center-back who has been a key figure in Arteta's backline. The Brazilian was called up to the national team for their exciting showdowns with England and Spain but will not be able to participate in those fixtures.
The 26-year-old, who has formed the best defense in the Premier League alongside teammate William Saliba, played the entire 120 minutes in Arsenal's most recent fixture, their UEFA Champions League round of 16 victory over Porto.
However, the former Lille ace appeared to hurt himself in that game towards the end. According to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, the Brazilian has been carrying a foot issue, but it remains uncertain whether that was the problem that forced him to leave the Selecao.
Gabriel's withdrawal has been labeled a precaution. The issue is significant enough to warrant his withdrawal but is not thought to be serious. Regardless, this will leave fans concerned due to their upcoming fixture.
Gabriel Magalhaes withdrawal from Brazil squad is not due to serious injury - more precaution. Problem described as genuine but not 'too bad'. Magalhaes has been carrying a foot issue - but no confirmation of the specific issue linked to his withdrawal. @MailSport
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) March 18, 2024
Mikel Arteta's men are currently top of the Premier League, but with Liverpool level on points in second and Man City only a point behind in third, this race will go down to the wire.
As a result, Arsenal's trip to the Etihad Stadium on March 31 could be decisive. A rare win could catapult the Gunners as favorites ahead of Pep Guardiola's men.
However, if they are to overcome Haaland and Co. away from home, the North London giants will need Gabriel Magalhães fit and ready to go. The Brazilian has struck up a brilliant partnership with Saliba at the heart of Arteta's defense and has conceded only 24 goals all season, which is the best in the league.
Elsewhere, Ghanaian ace Thomas Partey has also requested to be omitted from international duty to remain in London to work on his fitness. Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu will also take no part in the international break.
