Soccer

Arsenal defender Gabriel will be unavailable for “weeks” after sustaining a thigh injury on international duty, says head coach Mikel Arteta. The centre-back limped off in visible discomfort during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium last weekend and was ruled out of the draw against Tunisia three days later. The 27-year-old has been in fantastic form for the Gunners, being a key part of a defence that has conceded just five league goals so far.

Arsenal are set to discover the full extent of the thigh injury suffered by Gabriel while on international duty amid concerns he faces several weeks out. The centre-back limped off in visible discomfort during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium over the weekend and has returned to Arsenal for treatment. The early fears are that the 27-year-old will miss a minimum of four weeks, with sources indicating the defender’s absence could stretch to January.