Arsenal Injury Blow: Gabriel Sidelined, Tottenham Receive Boost

Arsenal injury news dominates headlines as the Gunners prepare for the north London derby against Tottenham, with Mikel Arteta confirming that key defender Gabriel will be out for several weeks due to a thigh injury suffered on international duty.

Arsenal Injury News: Gabriel Set for Lengthy Spell Out

Arsenal injury news has rocked the Emirates as Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel, the backbone of Arsenal’s robust defence, will be sidelined for “weeks.” The 27-year-old Brazilian centre-back picked up a thigh injury during last weekend’s friendly against Senegal, limping off early and missing the subsequent fixture against Tunisia. This absence is a major setback for Arsenal, who currently sit four points clear atop the Premier League table.

Gabriel has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, with the team conceding only five goals in the league across 11 matches. However, with further assessment scheduled for next Wednesday, initial reports suggest he could be out for up to two months, ruling him out for the remainder of 2025 and possibly into mid-January. At best, Gabriel may return before Christmas, but early indications are not optimistic.

Arteta addressed the press, saying, “Gabi is going to be out for weeks. It’s tough to lose our leader at the back, but we have top-quality options and need others to step up in his absence.”

Hincapie, Mosquera, and Calafiori: Defensive Depth Tested

With Gabriel’s injury, Arsenal’s defensive line faces renewed challenges ahead of the crucial north London derby. Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are expected to step in, while Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt after withdrawing from Italy duty due to a hip problem. Arteta noted, “He hasn’t trained yet. Tomorrow’s session will decide his availability.”

In addition to Gabriel, Arsenal’s injury list remains extensive. Key names like Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus are all sidelined. Odegaard could return in early December, while Jesus may be out until January as he recovers from a significant knee issue.

Tottenham Injury Update: Quadruple Boost for Derby

In sharp contrast to Arsenal’s woes, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank delivered a string of positive updates for Spurs fans. Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Randal Kolo Muani have all returned to training and are available for Sunday’s clash. Sarr, who limped off during Senegal’s international fixtures, and Bergvall, who underwent concussion checks, have both been cleared. Kolo Muani, recovering from an injury sustained against Manchester United, will play with a protective mask.

Additionally, Mohammed Kudus is in contention to return after missing Spurs’ last two matches. The only notable absentee remains Dominic Solanke, who is still recovering from a long-term ankle injury. Frank said, “Dom is not ready yet. We want to be sure he’s fully fit before returning.”

Further boosting Tottenham’s squad, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, and Kota Takai all resumed full training this week, strengthening the team ahead of a pivotal fixture.

North London Derby: Key Implications for Title Race

Sunday’s north London derby at the Emirates Stadium carries extra weight amid these contrasting injury situations. For Arsenal, the loss of Gabriel is a significant tactical blow, especially considering the defensive stability he provides. If his absence stretches to two months, he could miss up to 15 matches across all competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will come into the derby invigorated by the return of several first-team players, enhancing their chances of disrupting Arsenal’s momentum at the top of the table.

What This Means for Arsenal and Tottenham

Arsenal’s ability to adapt without Gabriel will be a true test of their title credentials, demanding that replacements like Hincapie and Mosquera perform under pressure. The north London derby often produces drama, and this edition promises heightened stakes with both sides fighting to assert their dominance early in the season.

For Spurs, the timely return of key players provides a golden opportunity to press their claims for the top four and potentially spoil Arsenal’s strong run. Defensive solidity will be under the spotlight for both teams, and the tactical battle between Arteta and Frank will be fascinating to watch.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Resilience Faces Its Biggest Test Yet

While Arsenal’s injury news is a bitter blow, it also presents a chance for Arteta’s squad depth to shine. Gabriel’s leadership and defensive prowess will be sorely missed, but this adversity can galvanize the Gunners if emerging talents rise to the occasion. For Tottenham, the return of crucial players couldn’t be better timed, adding an extra layer of intrigue to one of football’s fiercest rivalries.

For more news on football’s biggest stories, visit for more news.