Arsenal’s Gabriel facing further tests after injuring groin in Brazil win over Senegal

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel is set to undergo medical examinations after sustaining a groin injury during Brazil’s 2–0 friendly victory against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, according to national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The defender went down unchallenged shortly before the hour mark and appeared to be in discomfort as he received attention on his right thigh. He was subsequently substituted as a precaution.

Gabriel has been instrumental in Arsenal’s strong start to their Premier League campaign, featuring prominently in a defensive unit that has conceded only five goals in 11 matches as Mikel Arteta’s side sit at the top of the table.

His potential absence comes at a challenging moment for the Gunners, who are preparing for a North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on 23 November, followed by a crucial Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich just five days later.

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti admitted there was uncertainty over the extent of the injury.
“He felt something in his adductor,” the Brazil manager said. “We’ll have more clarity once the medical team assesses him tomorrow. It’s always disappointing to see a player come off like that, and we can only hope for a quick recovery.”

Brazil secured the victory through goals from Chelsea’s rising star Estevão and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, rounding off a confident performance in North London.

In other international news, Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from the Azzurri camp.

Calafiori did not feature in Italy’s World Cup qualifying win over Moldova earlier in the week and had been following an individual training routine to manage his workload.
“He wasn’t fully comfortable,” Gattuso told Sky Sports Italia ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Norway. “He stayed with us and showed great professionalism, but playing him wouldn’t have been right for him or for Arsenal.”

A source has indicated to BBC Sport that Calafiori has not returned to Arsenal for any form of treatment.