The center-back, a crucial part of Arsenal’s title ambitions this season, will miss Brazil’s matches against France and Croatia due to discomfort in his right knee following his participation in the recent Carabao Cup final.
Imaging tests have confirmed he won’t be fit for Brazil during this March international window, though the specific details of his injury have yet to be revealed.
This situation poses a substantial challenge for Arsenal, especially after their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the final, which extinguished their dreams of a historic quadruple this season.
Adding to Arsenal’s woes, Gabriel’s defensive partner William Saliba has also pulled out of the French national squad due to ongoing pain in his left ankle.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced that Saliba requires treatment and at least ten days to recover, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix stepping in for his first call-up.
Brazil has confirmed they will not replace Gabriel for their two matches in the United States leading up to this summer’s World Cup.
This season, Arsenal has already experienced difficulties with injuries during international breaks. Gabriel previously missed ten games due to a thigh issue after he was injured in Brazil’s win over Senegal last November.
Saliba’s injury issues have also continued, marking the third time this season that ankle problems have sidelined him.
However, if conditions were different, a thrilling matchup could have taken place, with Brazil set to face France on March 26 in Boston, followed by a clash against Croatia in Orlando on March 31.
As Arsenal deals with these setbacks, other players like Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze have also withdrawn from their international commitments for Belgium and England as they work on their recovery. Additionally, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber were previously ruled out for their national teams.
