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Arsenal worry that center-back Gabriel Magalhães could be out of action for no less than one month after picking up a thigh problem while with the national team last week.

Gabriel was forced off during the Seleção's win against Senegal in a exhibition match at the Emirates Stadium on the weekend and has since gone back to his team for more assessments.

Medical examinations are still underway, and Arsenal have not yet confirm the full extent of the defender's layoff.

That said, he is unlikely to play for the key clash with Tottenham on the weekend or the Champions League match with Bayern Munich only afterwards.

Possible Absence and Missed Fixtures

Club sources worry that the defender could be out for a minimum of one month, perhaps longer, based on the extent of the strain.

This would keep him out of several crucial fixtures, like:

• Premier League matches against the Blues and the Bees at the Emirates
• An away match to play Aston Villa
• The European clash at Club Brugge on December 10th

The Arsenal team—that presently have a significant advantage over City—then face Wolverhampton at the Emirates before a rescheduled trip to Goodison Park on December 20th.

Major Blow for The Championship Challenge

Being without such an influential player could prove a serious problem for Arsenal in their Premier League bid.

This defender has featured in each minute of the Premier League campaign so far and is integral to a backline that has conceded only five goals in 11 matches.

Before the latest 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, the side had recorded 8 consecutive clean sheets in every tournament.

Cover Choices and Additional Injury Concerns

Cristhian Mosquera and fellow summer arrival Hincapié are in contention to replace Gabriel against Spurs.

There are also questions over whether forward Viktor Gyökeres will be back to lead the line after sitting out Arsenal's last two fixtures before the pause due to a hamstring issue.

Meanwhile, German manager Nagelsmann revealed that Kai Havertz has experienced a “slight setback” during his recovery from a joint injury.

While Arteta had been hopeful about the player's comeback soon, the national team boss suggested that the German is now expected to return in late December.

Squad Stretched to the Limit

The club experienced their championship push hurt last season by a succession of fitness issues and spent significantly in the summer to strengthen the squad.

But, with skipper Martin Ødegaard additionally on the absentee list—along with Noni Madueke and Martinelli—the squad is being stretched considerably.