Gabriel faces 'weeks' out in big blow for Arsenal

ARSENAL defender Gabriel Magalhaes will be out of action for 'weeks' after picking up an injury during international duty, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday.

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The Brazil centre-back has been ever-present in the Premier League in a Gunners back line that has conceded just five goals in 11 games.

But he suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.

“Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazilian national team and he's going to be out for weeks,” Arteta said.

“We need to have another scan next Wednesday, and we'll have the timeline probably much clearer than we have at the moment.

“It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our back line and, to me, it’s never a positive thing. The good thing is that we have very good options and people have to stand up now and do the job.”