Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out against Tottenham Hotspur after suffering knee injury on international duty
Tottenham Hotspur entered the November international break on the back of a 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Red Devils snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat following Matthijs de Ligt’s 96th-minute equaliser, after Richarlison’s 90th-minute goal felt like a winner for Spurs.
The Lilywhites’ form in the Premier League has dipped in recent weeks. They have managed just one league win from the last four games, placing them as underdogs on paper ahead of the weekend’s North London derby.
On the contrary, Arsenal have been excellent this season and find themselves at the summit. They are four points ahead second-placed Manchester City, and given how Mikel Arteta’s side have been playing, it is quite understandable for many Tottenham fans to feel pessimistic going into the derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal star suffers knee injury on international duty
However, Spurs have been handed a rare dash of good news before facing their arch nemesis. According to a report from The Standard, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a knee injury while representing Brazil on international duty. The Gunners are now concerned that their influential centre-back could be absent for a significant spell.
Brazil confirmed on Sunday that Gabriel has withdrawn from their squad 24 hours after he limped off during their 2-0 friendly win against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Carlo Ancelotti initially said the 27-year-old had suffered an adductor injury but it has now been confirmed the centre-back sustained “a muscle injury in his right knee”.
Gabriel was forced off in the second half, as Brazil beat Senegal 2-0, and his fitness is now a major concern for Mikel Arteta ahead of Sunday’s showdown. The centre-back has been a big player for the Gunners at both ends of the pitch. He has been a key part of the team that boasts the best defensive record in the division (5 goals conceded in 11 games), whilst chipping in with two goals and three assists in all competitions. The South American has been an asset from set-pieces, making him indispensable to Arteta’s side.
Unlikely boost for Tottenham
Losing a player who has played every single minute of the league campaign so far is a seismic blow to Arsenal’s title hopes. It also significantly weakens them defensively and from the perspective of set-piece threat too against Tottenham. There are some key players returning for the Gunners after the international break, but Gabriel missing the derby gives Tottenham a big boost.
This news will be a massive relief for Thomas Frank, given how the Arsenal star is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and often causes problems every time that he plays against Spurs. His towering header was the difference in the North London derby when Tottenham hosted Arsenal last season.
With Gabriel ruled out, Frank and Co. will have one lesser player to worry about from set-plays. Also, the home side will be missing the 27-year-old’s recovery pace, giving Tottenham’s pacey wingers such as Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel opportunities to stretch their backline and hit them in transitions.
