Arsenal's Defensive Nightmare Deepens as Two Star Defenders Suffer International Duty Injuries

Arsenal face anxious moments regarding the fitness of Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori following injuries picked up while on international duty with Brazil and Italy.

The 23-year-old Calafiori departed Italy's training camp on Saturday before their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Norway, though national team boss Gennaro Gattuso did not reveal details about his condition.

While Calafiori's problem is not anticipated to be serious, Fabrizio Romano indicates, Gabriel's situation may warrant greater worry.

The Brazilian defender, considered among the world's elite centre-backs, was included in Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven for the international friendly versus Senegal, coincidentally taking place at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

However, with Brazil leading by two goals in the second period, Gabriel collapsed holding his right groin area before indicating to the sideline that substitution was necessary. Following medical attention, he was assisted off the pitch and substituted by Wesley.

Challenging Fixture List Creates Headaches for Championship Contenders

Arsenal entered the international break after dropping points against Sunderland, yet maintain a four-point advantage atop the Premier League following 11 matches. They also occupy second position in the Champions League league phase standings after securing victories in their initial four fixtures.

The Gunners have allowed merely five goals across all competitions, featuring a streak of eight straight shutouts, but additional injury concerns before a packed fixture schedule represents exactly what manager Mikel Arteta hoped to avoid.

Arteta's squad confronts Tottenham Hotspur in the north London rivalry following international duty's conclusion, before facing European adversary Bayern Munich and Chelsea within eight demanding days.

Arsenal's Upcoming Five Fixtures

Despite Arsenal's defensive solidity, both Calafiori and Gabriel contribute significantly in attack. Calafiori frequently inverts from left-back position, appearing in advanced areas, while Gabriel proves formidable during offensive set-piece situations.

Alternative options exist, including Piero Hincapié, Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly should Calafiori and Gabriel require recovery time. Playing opportunities could arrive at an ideal moment for youngster Lewis-Skelly, whom England boss Thomas Tuchel has advised to secure more playing time for potential inclusion in his 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Mosquera has previously covered for William Saliba during periods when the Frenchman managed an ankle problem earlier this season. Hincapié, borrowed from Bayer Leverkusen, operates as either a left-sided centre-back or left-back.

Arsenal already miss Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Ødegaard due to injuries, significantly reducing their offensive options.