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Arsenal are concerned that defender Gabriel Magalhães might remain unavailable for a minimum of one month after sustaining a thigh problem while with the national team recently.

The Brazilian defender was forced off during the Seleção's win against Senegal in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and has since gone back to his team for more tests.

Club examinations are still underway, and the club have not yet announce the exact extent of the 27-year-old absence.

Nevertheless, he is not anticipated to feature for the upcoming clash with Tottenham on Sunday or the European meeting with the German giants just afterwards.

Potential Absence and Missed Fixtures

There are concerns that the defender could be out for at least four weeks, possibly more, depending on the severity of the issue.

This would keep him out of key vital games, like:

• Premier League matches against the Blues and the Bees at the Emirates
• An away trip to face Villa
• The European match at Brugge on 10 December

Mikel Arteta's side—who presently have a four-point lead over City—then face Wolverhampton at home before a rearranged trip to Goodison Park on December 20th.

Major Blow for Arsenal's Championship Challenge

Losing such an influential player would be a serious blow for the Gunners in their Premier League push.

This defender has played each minute of the Premier League season so far and is crucial to a backline that has conceded only five times in 11 outings.

Before the latest tie at Sunderland, the side had recorded eight consecutive clean sheets in every tournament.

Cover Options and Other Fitness Worries

Cristhian Mosquera and other summer arrival Piero Hincapié are likely candidates to replace Gabriel against Spurs.

Additionally, there are concerns over whether striker Gyökeres will be back to play up front after missing the club's final two fixtures before the pause due to a hamstring issue.

Meanwhile, German coach Julian Nagelsmann said that Havertz has suffered a “slight setback” during his recovery from a knee problem.

Although Mikel Arteta had been optimistic about the player's return soon, the national team boss suggested that the German is currently expected to be back towards the end of the year.

Squad Tested to the Limit

The club saw their title bid undermined last season by a series of fitness issues and spent significantly in the transfer window to strengthen the squad.

However, with captain Martin Ødegaard additionally on the absentee list—along with Madueke and Martinelli—the squad is feeling the pressure to the limit.