"Brazil defender Gabriel, whose partnership with William Saliba has been one of best defensive pairings in the league for several seasons, has played a major role in their superb start to the season. The league leaders have conceded just five goals in 11 games, and the Brazilian has also chipped in with two goals and provides a consistent threat at set-pieces. So when he became the first Arsenal defender to pick up an injury, alarm bells would have sounded at their London Colney training ground."
"The 27-year-old did not travel to France for Brazil's friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday after scans confirmed he sustained a thigh injury in Saturday's friendly against Senegal, when he was forced off in the second half. Then full-back Calafiori, who has been the left-back in most of their games this season, withdrew from the Italy squad with a hip problem."
Arsenal entered the international break with one of Europe's meanest defences but have three key players facing injury scares. Gabriel, integral alongside William Saliba, suffered a thigh injury in Brazil's friendly with Senegal and missed the Tunisia match after scans. Full-back Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from Italy duty with a hip problem but is expected to be available for Sunday. Jurrien Timber picked up a knock during the Netherlands' 4-0 win over Lithuania. Arsenal had recorded a club-record eight consecutive clean sheets before drawing 2-2 with Sunderland and have conceded five goals in 11 league games, raising concern ahead of matches against Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Read at www.bbc.com
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