Gabriel Magalhaes injury latest concern as four Arsenal stars withdraw from international duty
Arsenal’s hopes of a historic treble have been dealt a significant blow during the March international break, as star defender Gabriel Magalhaes became the latest high-profile name to withdraw from his national squad.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Monday that the center-back would miss the Selecao’s upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia due to a knee injury.
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The 28-year-old reportedly felt discomfort in his right knee following Arsenal’s narrow 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday.
Gabriel Magalhaes withdraws from Brazil squad along with three other Arsenal players
While Gabriel managed to complete the full 90 minutes, subsequent imaging tests revealed he is not fit to participate in the international window, leaving Mikel Arteta sweating over the fitness of his defensive rock.
The federation put out the following statement: “After the game this Sunday against Manchester City, the athlete complained of pain in his right knee. Imaging tests have confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes is not fit to play.”
Arsenal also confirmed that William Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber have all withdrawn from international duty along with the Brazilian defender due to ‘physical issues’.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures as Premier League title edges closer
Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal remain in the driver’s seat for their first Premier League title since 2004, sitting nine points clear at the top of the table. However, the run-in is grueling.
Following the break, the Gunners face a packed April schedule, including an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton and a massive Champions League quarter-final clash.
The title decider away at the Etihad against Manchester City on April 19 looms large; Arteta will be desperate to have his defensive duo of Saliba and Gabriel back in time to stop Erling Haaland and secure the trophy.
- 11th April – Arsenal vs Bournemouth
- 19th April – Manchester City vs Arsenal
- 25th April – Arsenal vs Newcastle
- 2nd May – Arsenal vs Fulham
- 9th May – West Ham vs Arsenal
- 17th May – Arsenal vs Burnley
- 24th May – Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
The dream of a quadruple was squashed by Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday with Nico O’Reilly scoring a brace to beat the Gunners 2-0 at Wembley in the League Cup Final.
Arteta seems to have turned full attention to the Premier League which is as of now totally in their hands.
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