Mirror Football brings you two of the latest news stories surrounding Arsenal as Mikel Arteta received a major injury blow this weekend
Mikel Arteta will be wondering how his Arsenal players seem to come away from each international break worse off. The Gunners are at a crucial point in their season, having done brilliantly so far to build a four-point lead atop the Premier League table three months into the season.
They are also just one of three teams to boast a 100% win-rate in the Champions League this campaign after four matches. That’s credit to their summer recruitment and the depth in quality they now possess as they mount a fourth consecutive title challenge.
In previous years, injuries to the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Ben White would have spelled disaster. Yet, the north Londoners continue to clinch victory after victory, with the exception of an unfortunate 2-2 draw at Sunderland last time out.
Their depth will be put to the test again following the international break, which has added one or two more names to that injury list. And we now bring you the latest news surrounding the Gunners before they take on bitter rivals Tottenham at home, ahead of clashes with Bayern Munich and then Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Brazil release Gabriel injury statement as Arsenal’s worst fears realisedREAD MORE: Arsenal fixtures Gabriel could miss including three huge games after worrying injury blow
North London derby blow
Arteta’s men have already sustained far more injuries than they would have liked at this early stage of the season. Another name was added to the list on Saturday night as defender Gabriel Magalhaes hobbled off the pitch during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win at the Emirates Stadium holding his upper thigh.
The 27-year-old is now a major doubt for next weekend’s north London derby, with scans confirming he has suffered an injury. The Brazilian FA released a statement on Sunday that no one affiliated with Arsenal would have wanted to read.
It said: “Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille.”
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti offered an apology after the game, saying: “Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”
The news comes as a crushing blow to arguably Arsenal’s most impactful player this season ahead of a difficult run of games. Left-back Riccardo Calafiori also returned to Arsenal early from the Italy squad as a precaution, though his issue is not believed to be severe enough to rule him out of the clash with Spurs.
‘Go for Rodrygo’
Former Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva has told Arteta to sign his fellow Brazilian Rodrygo. The Gunners were linked with the Real Madrid winger in the summer but their interest cooled as Rodrygo appeared reluctant to leave the Spanish capital and Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze instead.
But the Brazil international has grown increasingly frustrated with his supporting role under Xabi Alonso this season and is yet to score a goal. Gilberto has now voiced his opinion that Rodrygo, who Jude Bellingham once called Los Blancos’ “most talented and gifted player”, would be a great addition to the Gunners.
Gilberto told talkSPORT: “I know him and we’ve met a couple of times, but I don’t know his situation with Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.
“It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he’s a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench – but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well.”
Get 50% off Premier League kits and merch
Kitbag has slashed up to 50% off football kits and merch. Fans can find discounts on products from Premier League clubs including Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Spurs and more.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
