Arsenal Suffer Gabriel Injury Blow Ahead of North London Derby

Arsenal injury news has shaken the Premier League leaders as Mikel Arteta confirmed that key defender Gabriel will be sidelined for several weeks following a thigh injury sustained on international duty. This setback comes at a pivotal time, with the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham looming.

Arsenal Injury News: Gabriel Faces Lengthy Layoff

Arsenal’s defensive anchor Gabriel has played a crucial role in the club’s impressive start to the 2025/26 season, helping the Gunners concede just five goals in 11 Premier League matches. However, the Brazilian limped off during a friendly against Senegal at the Emirates and subsequently missed the match against Tunisia, sparking immediate concern over his fitness.

Head coach Mikel Arteta addressed the situation, stating, “Gabi is going to be out for weeks. It’s a big blow—he’s our leader in the backline.” Arteta confirmed that further assessments are scheduled, but early indications suggest Gabriel could be absent for up to two months, potentially sidelining him until mid-January. This scenario would see him miss crucial fixtures across the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup.

Arteta’s Defensive Dilemma and Potential Replacements

The loss of Gabriel forces Arteta to explore alternative defensive options. Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are being considered to fill the void in the upcoming north London derby. Riccardo Calafiori, another potential candidate, remains a doubt after withdrawing from Italy’s national squad due to a hip issue and has yet to resume full training.

Arteta provided an update, “He’s been carrying a few things and hasn’t trained yet. We have another session tomorrow to see how he’s doing.” This uncertain situation in defense compounds Arsenal’s injury woes.

Arsenal’s Injury List Grows as Key Players Remain Sidelined

Gabriel’s absence adds to a mounting Arsenal injury list that already includes Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Noni Madueke. While Arteta hinted that some may return soon, exact timelines remain unclear. Odegaard is likely back in early December, whereas Jesus is eyeing a January return following ACL surgery.

The timing of these injuries is far from ideal, with Arsenal aiming to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The loss of key players like Gabriel puts extra pressure on the squad as they enter a demanding stretch of fixtures.

Tottenham Receive Quadruple Injury Boost

In stark contrast, Tottenham enter the derby with a rejuvenated squad. Head coach Thomas Frank delivered a string of positive updates, revealing that Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Randal Kolo Muani have all returned to training and are available for selection. Sarr had suffered a minor scare with Senegal, Bergvall was cleared after concussion checks, and Kolo Muani, despite an injury with France, is fit to play with a protective mask.

Mohammed Kudus, who missed Spurs’ last two matches, is also in contention to feature. However, Dominic Solanke remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, with Frank reluctant to set a return date. Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, and Kota Takai all resumed full training, further strengthening Tottenham’s squad depth ahead of the derby.

North London Derby: High Stakes Amid Arsenal Injury News

As Arsenal prepare to defend their lead at the summit of the Premier League, the absence of Gabriel in central defense looms large. The Gunners’ backline, built around Gabriel’s leadership, will be tested like never before. Arteta is calling on deputies to rise to the occasion, while Tottenham, buoyed by returning stars, sense an opportunity to exploit their rivals’ vulnerabilities.

For Arsenal fans, the timing of these injuries is a significant concern, especially with major fixtures on the horizon. The potential loss of Gabriel for 15 matches across four competitions could have far-reaching consequences for the club’s ambitions this season.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Title Ambitions Face a Crucial Test

This latest Arsenal injury news underscores the unpredictable nature of a Premier League campaign. While Gabriel’s absence is undoubtedly a major blow, it also represents a chance for fringe players to prove their worth on the big stage. If Arsenal can weather this storm and maintain their form, it will speak volumes about the squad’s resilience and character. However, with Tottenham regaining key players at the perfect moment, the north London derby could be a turning point in the title race. Stay tuned to for more news as this dramatic season unfolds.