Arsenal fans worldwide held their breath just five minutes into Gabriel Magalhaes’ senior debut for the Brazilian national team when he was involved in a collision. The sight of Gabriel receiving medical attention, with strapping around his thigh and ice applied to his leg, sent shivers down the spines of Arsenal supporters who have seen their fair share of defensive setbacks. The memory of losing William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu last season, which led to the team’s title challenge faltering, still lingered, along with the recent loss of Jurrien Timber to an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of this season.
The fear of losing Gabriel, a key figure in Arsenal’s defense, was a stark reality that fans hoped to avoid. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Gabriel has been seen in Brazil’s latest training session ahead of their second match of the break, a World Cup qualifier against Peru. His presence in the squad is a positive sign, especially considering his standout performance in Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia.
Gabriel’s Aspirations for International Success and Upcoming Challenges
Gabriel Magalhaes is undoubtedly hoping to secure a spot in Brazil’s starting eleven for the upcoming international tournaments. The 2024 Copa America is on the horizon, set to take place in the United States. With competition for defensive positions heightened due to the absence of Eder Militao, Gabriel remains optimistic about his chances if he can maintain his current form. His performances for Brazil not only bolster his international aspirations but also underscore his importance to Arsenal.
Meanwhile, back at Arsenal, the international break has provided an opportunity for potential competitors to emerge in Gabriel’s position. Surprisingly, it was not Jakub Kiwior who filled the role, despite his previous appearances at left-back for Poland. Instead, it was Takehiro Tomiyasu who made a significant impact, excelling at left centre-half for Japan in a dominant victory over Germany. Tomiyasu showcased his speed, tackling ability, quick decision-making, and precise passing, leaving Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta, with much to ponder as the team faces an increase in fixture frequency in the coming domestic games before the October international break.
Squad Rotation Challenges for Arteta as Arsenal Faces Upcoming Fixtures
Arsenal’s fixture list in the near future presents a challenge for Mikel Arteta, especially with a thinner squad due to Thomas Partey’s groin injury suffered in training. This means Arsenal cannot rely on Thomas Partey to fill in at right-back in place of Gabriel Magalhaes, should the need arise for tactical rotation. Gabriel’s performance against Manchester United recently highlighted just how integral he is to the team’s defense, making him a key player for Arteta.
As Arsenal prepares for a Carabao Cup clash with Brentford and confronts PSV and RC Lens in the group stage of the Champions League, Arteta faces the daunting task of squad rotation. Balancing the need for rest and the demand for performance will be crucial as the team navigates a challenging period of fixtures, and finding suitable alternatives for Gabriel becomes a pressing concern for the Arsenal manager.
