Arsenal learn major Gabriel Magalhaes injury update amid Man City title race

Arsenal have been handed an update on the severity of Gabriel Magalhaes' injury as Manchester City watch on in the Premier League title race. City are going head-to-head with the Gunners once again to be crowned champions this term, with Pep Guardiola's side currently in second place in the Premier League table.

City went into the international break in euphoric mood after defeating title rivals Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium. That victory propelled City to just four points behind Arsenal in the latest Premier League standings, as the Gunners slipped up with a 2-2 draw at Sunderland, with 11 matches played so far.

This weekend will see City take on Newcastle United in an away trip to St James' Park on Saturday, while Arsenal will host rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby 24 hours later. One key player in particular who is not expected to be available for Arsenal in that match is Gabriel.

The defender suffered an adductor injury during Brazil's 2-0 win over Senegal in a friendly on Saturday evening. Gabriel was substituted in the second half of the match, with a fresh update now emerging about the defender's fitness. It has been reported by BBC Sport that Arsenal fear that Gabriel could be on the sidelines for at least a month.

There is even the possibility of Gabriel being unavailable for up to two months. Should that happen, Gabriel risks being unavailable for Arsenal until into the New Year and he would miss several important Premier League fixtures in the title race, including the hectic festive period over Christmas.

As City's clash against Newcastle takes place on Saturday evening, it gives Guardiola & Co the chance to close the gap on Arsenal to just one point before the north London derby.

Arsenal, who have been so reliable defensively thanks to Gabriel and William Saliba's partnership at centre-half in front of goalkeeper David Raya, could also be without Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke on Sunday.

It is set to be a real test of Arsenal's squad depth when they take on Spurs, and while many of those who have been sidelined are closing in on returns to action, City will sense this is their chance to put real pressure on the league leaders.

Arsenal face a tough run of games amid the injury crisis too, given they face Bayern Munich and Chelsea after the Tottenham showdown. Brentford and Aston Villa follow after that first week back.

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