Arsenal suffer Gabriel Magalhaes injury scare

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury scare in Brazil's 5-1 win over Bolivia on Friday night.

Gabriel made his international debut in Friday's World Cup qualifier after starting in central defence alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos.

Brazil made light work of their opponents, as they cruised to a 5-1 victory thanks to braces from Rodrygo and Neymar as well as a strike from Barcelona's Raphinha.

While Gabriel enjoyed a victorious international debut, he failed to complete the game after being substituted in the 85th minute.

The Arsenal defender was pictured applying ice to his thigh following his withdrawal, raising concerns about a potential injury.

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Earlier in the game, the 25-year-old was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge from Diego Ibanez, whose knee connected with Gabriel's chest.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Gabriel's withdrawal was a precautionary measure by Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz.

The North London club have already experienced a couple of injury blows in the first month of the 2023-24 season.

Summer signing Jurrien Timber is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month.

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Thomas Partey, meanwhile, recently picked up a groin injury in training and is expected to be ruled out for a number of weeks.

Arsenal will now be waiting to see if Gabriel is involved in Brazil's next World Cup qualifier against Peru on Tuesday night.

After having to settle for a place on the bench, Gabriel made his first start of the Premier League season in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Manchester United.

The Gunners, who have made an unbeaten start to the season, return to action on September 17 when they travel to Goodison Park for a meeting with Everton.