Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow during the November international break, with Gabriel seen limping off during Brazil’s match against Senegal on Saturday. The centre-back appeared to be in considerable discomfort, clutching what seemed to be a groin injury on his right side.

Gabriel and William Saliba have established a formidable defensive partnership at Arsenal in recent campaigns. And the pair have formed a key part an Arsenal backline which has conceded a mere five goals in the Premier League so far this season.

Their defensive performances have contributed significantly to Mikel Arteta‘s side holding a four-point lead at the top of the table, despite the fact the Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland last weekend.

The Gunners’ defensive partnership is widely regarded as one of the best in English football as Arsenal pursue their first league title since 2004. However, the solid pairing could now be jeopardised due to injury.

Gabriel was named in the backline for Brazil as his country hosted Senegal in a friendly played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. But the 27-year-old was substituted just after the hour mark.

His Gunners boss will now be anxiously awaiting news on the Brazilian’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on 23 November.

Despite starring for Arsenal for half a decade, Gabriel has only become a regular for Brazil in recent years. And his appearance against Senegal was only his 17th cap.

But the star will be hoping to play a key role for the South American team at next summer’s World Cup, which is due to be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Gabriel’s setback comes after his Gunners team-mate Riccardo Calafiori was forced to end his international duty with Italy prematurely and return to London.

Italian reports confirmed that the defender left the Italy camp on Saturday and will miss his country’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday evening. He will now head to London, where he will be assessed by Arsenal doctors.

And Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso confirmed: “He tried to be available but he can’t force now.”

It’s understood Arsenal medical staff have been informed of Calafiori’s return to the capital, with the club not expecting any serious complications.

Arsenal appear to be the standout team in the Premier League this season after winning eight of their 11 matches to date.

Manchester City look as though they will be Arsenal’s biggest rivals for the title, with Pep Guardiola’s side rocketing up the table after winning five of their last six league matches. The top two sides have already met in the league this season when they played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium in September.