Arsenal 'handed boost over Gabriel Magalhaes injury concern'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 11 September 2023

Arsenal and Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes reportedly trains as normal with his international teammates following an injury scare against Bolivia.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes reportedly trained as normal with the Brazil team on Sunday following an injury scare.

The 25-year-old made his first appearance for the Selecao against Bolivia in Saturday's World Cup qualifier, starting alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos in a 5-1 win.

However, Gabriel was unable to complete the full 90 minutes in Belem, being replaced by Roger Ibanez in the dying embers due to an apparent thigh problem.

The centre-back was seen icing his leg in the dugout as Brazil saw out the final few moments of a convincing victory, sparking concern over a potential spell on the sidelines.

Gabriel made no mention of any fitness problem in a post-game Instagram post reflecting on his debut, though, saying: "Only God knows how much I've waited for this moment!! So happy for the debut and the big win!! Thank you Belém do Pará for the incredible energy. Come on Brazil."

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes goes down injured on May 12, 2022 © Reuters

Now, the Evening Standard reports that Gabriel was able to take part in full training with the rest of his international teammates on Sunday, easing any fears of a possible injury in the process.

As a result, the former Lille man is expected to be at the disposal of head coach Fernando Diniz when Brazil resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against Peru on Tuesday.

The news will also come as a relief to Mikel Arteta, in spite of the fact that Gabriel has been sparingly used by the Gunners boss during the opening stages of the 2023-24 season.

The Brazilian's partnership with William Saliba was key to Arsenal's sustained title charge last season, while Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko also earned plaudits for their performances in the full-back areas.

However, with Zincheko dealing with a calf problem, White shifted to a central role alongside Saliba for the start of the 2023-24 season, allowing Thomas Partey to occupy an unfamiliar inverted right-back position.

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for Arsenal with Gabriel Magalhaes on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Takehiro Tomiyasu was then called upon to replace Jurrien Timber following the Dutchman's severe ACL injury against Nottingham Forest, while Jakub Kiwior deputised for the suspended Japan international against Fulham.

Gabriel - who had come on as a substitute against Forest and Crystal Palace - was left on the bench for the duration of that 2-2 draw with the Cottagers, despite scoring in both Premier League games against Marco Silva's side last season.

A thigh injury then ruled Partey out of the visit of Manchester United, though, allowing Gabriel to come in for his first Premier League start of the season as the Gunners ran out 3-1 winners.

The 25-year-old was hailed for a crucial defensive contribution late on in that game, just about catching Alejandro Garnacho offside as the Argentine ran through to score a goal which was ultimately disallowed, before Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus both netted in injury time.

Gabriel has now made 122 appearances for Arsenal since joining in 2020 and will be expected to hold his place in defence when the Gunners travel to Everton on Sunday afternoon.