Brazil announced that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes had left the squad due to injury.
The centre-back has been a rock for the Gunners, forming a strong partnership with William Saliba for Mikel Arteta's side. However, his physical condition is called into question after his withdrawal from the Brazilian selection. Coach Dorival Junior announced Gabriel's injury on Monday, but did not reveal the severity of the injury.
Speaking to the media, the Brazilian coach said: “ I had already announced that we were going to work with a slightly longer list. This is a pre-summoning – you could put it that way – and just today we had another victim. Unfortunately, Gabriel Magalhaes is not there. To replace him, we call Bremer, from Juventus”.
A not too serious injury?
Gabriel is suffering from an inflamed Achilles tendon, according to ESPN Brazil. The defender had been included in the squad for the friendlies against Spain and England, having featured in the Champions League last-16 win over Porto. However, he will now return to Arsenal. Since making his national team debut last year, the 26-year-old has made six appearances for his side and is expected to be an important member of the squad at this summer's Copa América.
As Arsenal prepare to play their final ten league matches and remain in contention to win their first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta will be praying that his injury is not too serious. Arsenal are due to face Manchester City in their first match after the international break at the Etihad Stadium on March 31, a meeting which could prove crucial in what is shaping up to be a very tight title race.
