Gabriel Injury: Progress, Potential Return Date for Arsenal Star

The Brazilian defender had been an ever-present for Arsenal in the Premier League up until November’s international break.

Gabriel sustained a groin injury for Brazil in November. / Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Arsenal have been left cursing their injury luck once again over the November international break as star defender Gabriel joined a growing contingent in the treatment room.

On a return to the Emirates Stadium with Brazil, the 27-year-old was withdrawn in the second half of his side’s 2–0 friendly win over Senegal on Nov. 15. Naturally, Arsenal supporters have been left fearing the worst as they fight for Premier League glory and their first Champions League title.

Gabriel has been absolutely pivotal to Arsenal’s success this season, dazzling in a watertight defence and catching the eye with his attacking contributions from set pieces. The Gunners can’t afford to lose the centre back for the festive period.

Here is the latest injury news regarding the Arsenal defender.

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What Injury Does Gabriel Have?

Gabriel (middle) was withdrawn in Brazil’s friendly against Senegal. / Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Things were going typically swimmingly for Gabriel in north London against Senegal, but things changed drastically just after the hour mark. The Arsenal ace pulled up off the ball and was soon limping off the Emirates turf with an understandably concerned look on his face.

It was later confirmed by the Brazil national team that Gabriel had suffered a groin injury against Senegal, adding to his recent fitness woes. The defender missed a total of 19 matches for club and country through three separate ailments in 2024–25, with his absence proving costly at key junctures for the Gunners.

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When Will Gabriel Return From Injury?

Mikel Arteta will be worried about his centre back. / George Wood/Getty Images

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was uncertain regarding the extent of Gabriel’s setback, but the latest update from The Athletic suggests it’s bad news for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal supporters.

According to their report, further tests need to be carried out to fully understand the scope of the injury, but “initial examinations” suggest that Gabriel will miss a month or two due to his groin issue.

If he were to be absent for two months, he would not make his return until mid-January and would potentially miss 14 matches for the Gunners.

Arsenal have a crucial week on their return from international duty, starting with the small matter of the north London derby at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Nov. 23. Arteta’s men then host Bayern Munich in the Champions League, before travelling across the capital to visit fierce rivals Chelsea.

It seems inevitable that Gabriel will miss all three of the upcoming fixtures, as well as many after the trip to Stamford Bridge.

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