Arsenal received some tough news over the international break, as defensive stalwart Gabriel suffered a thigh injury in a friendly with Brazil against Senegal.

According to Sami Mokbel of BBC, “The early fears are that the 27-year-old will miss a minimum of four weeks, with sources indicating the defender’s absence could stretch to January. The exact severity of the injury, and the timescale for recovery, will be finalized in the coming days, with Gabriel undergoing further assessment.”

It’s an enormous potential loss for Arsenal. Gabriel has operated at the heart of the team’s elite defense alongside William Saliba, and the Gunners have allowed just five goals in 11 Premier League matches.

That has been the key factor in the team’s rise to the top of the table this season, with a four-point cushion over Manchester City.

Arsenal have been besieged by injuries in the process. Alongside Gabriel, crucial players like captain Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres are all currently dealing with injuries. The front line in particular has been ravaged by injuries, leaving the Gunners potentially very thin in that regard ahead of Sunday’s North London Derby vs. Tottenham.

Gabriel’s play in the back line has helped Arsenal manage those absences, however. He’s been a staple for the team since joining in 2020, making 171 Premier League starts. He had made 35 or more league starts for the club in the past three campaigns entering 2025-26 and has been excellent this season, even registering a goal and two assists as a key contributor in Arsenal’s vaunted corners and set pieces.

The Gunners addressed their depth in a major way this summer, leaving them with solid young options at center-back in Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera. But losing Gabriel is nonetheless a tough blow, especially with an important game against rival Spurs on Sunday.