Football London

Brazil released a statement on Sunday to confirm Arsenal defender Gabriel has suffered a thigh injury

Gabriel Magalhaes is a major doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday after it was confirmed he has suffered a thigh injury.

The defender hobbled out of Brazil’s friendly with Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, sparking fears that he could miss the north London derby.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Gabriel was set for a scan after the match and on Sunday the Brazilian FA released the following statement.

It read: "Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.

"Therefore, the player will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

Gabriel has been a crucial part of Arsenal's excellent defensive performances this season. The team are currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League and have only conceded five goals in 11 games.

The Brazilian has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba in recent years and has become a huge threat from set-pieces too.

If Gabriel is unavailable then the Gunners do have plenty of options as potential replacements. Cristhian Mosquera arrived from Valencia in the summer and deputised for Saliba earlier in the season when he was injured.

Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber can also operate at centre-back, although both have been superb and left- and right-back respectively so far this season. Piero Hincapie is another option after arriving on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but he is yet to start a Premier League game.

Tottenham have new injury concerns and could be without a number of key players against Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur’s squad looks set to be crippled by an injury crisis when the players return from international duty this week.

Head coach Thomas Frank will take charge of his first north London derby at the weekend when they visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. But he is set to be without a number of key players, with fitness concerns for as many as 13 of the Spurs squad.

The most recent injury fear is Pape Matar Sarr , who was substituted early in the second half during Senegal’s friendly with Brazil on Saturday.

“He got hit and then he didn’t feel well, so as a precaution he preferred to come off, but I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Senegal boss Pape Thiaw said after the game.

Spurs were handed another midfield injury concern earlier in the international break when Lucas Bergvall suffered a setback in his recovery after concussion.

In Tottenham’s last outing against Manchester United both Cristian Romero and Randal Kolo Muani picked up injuries, while Mohammed Kudus missed the 2-2 draw because of a problem picked up the week before.

Archie Gray, Ben Davies and Dominic Solanke were all sidelined before the international break too, while James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin are all out with long-term injuries.

Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai also haven’t featured this season.

It means Frank’s squad will be stretched when the team travel to Arsenal for what promises to be an intriguing game. The Gunners are four points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Spurs have the best away record in the division so far this season.

Frank is still searching for the right balance in Tottenham’s attack, but felt they made “small steps” in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

“We are searching to find the right balance up front and I think when we look at the game back, I think there was positive bits going forward,” Frank reflected.

“We constantly work on the relationship and try to improve it with the players and try to find what is exactly the right blend, but I think there were small steps in the right direction.

(Against United) we wanted two strikers, Kolo Muani and Richarlison, for the crosses, which we thought was an area where we potentially could hurt United.

“I think it worked perfectly with the first one (by Brennan Johnson), where Richarlison got a big chance, so that could have been an unbelievable, fantastic game plan from us.

“So that was part of it and we need different personalities and types for different games.” Frank immediately improved Tottenham’s away form in the league, with impressive early wins over Manchester City, West Ham and Leeds, but arresting a longstanding poor record at home has been more tricky.

With Spurs travelling to the Emirates Stadium to face their fierce rivals next weekend, the manager will be hoping their away form continues.

Djed Spence appeared to ignore Tottenham boss Thomas Frank after Spurs' defeat Chelsea which has left Thomas Tuchel unimpressed

England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained why he was left unimpressed by Djed Spence's behaviour after the Tottenham Hotspur star blanked Thomas Frank.

It was after Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the Premier League earlier this month that Spence left the pitch and appeared to ignore Frank after the final whistle.

The Tottenham defender has been called up by Tuchel for the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, but was an unused substitute for the first fixture on Thursday against Serbia.

Tuchel is currently preparing the England squad to face Albania on Sunday evening, and has explained why he was not impressed by Spence's behaviour.

"Yeah, I didn’t like it," Tuchel told the Daily Mail.

"Because the players know they are not only national players when they are the 10 days in camp, they are always national players and the standard of behaviour is always important."

It remains to be seen if Tuchel will name Spence in the starting line-up in Tirana for the World Cup qualifier with Albania, with the Three Lions already having booked their place in next summer's tournament in the United States with a 100 percent record from seven matches.

Spence was alongside Micky van de Ven who also appeared to blank Frank after Tottenham's defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.

Frank provided more insight into what happened behind the scenes, with the Tottenham boss confirming that the pair apologised for their actions.

"Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday, unprompted. And just said: 'Want to say sorry for the situation'," Frank told reporters on November 3 ahead of a Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen.

"They didn’t want it to look bad or disrespectful or all of the kind of perceptions you can get in this beautiful media world. That was not the intention at all towards me or the team or the club.

"They were just frustrated with the performance, the loss and the booing during the game."

Thierry Henry was in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time on Saturday night as he watched Conor Benn defeat Chris Eubank Jnr - and made his Arsenal allegiance clear

Thierry Henry made his maiden visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Arsenal icon declared "I used to come to the old one and win a lot" when questioned about the venue.

Spurs' modern stadium, which opened its doors in 2019, is regarded as a global leader in the football world. They knocked down White Hart Lane and constructed their fresh home which has welcomed the NFL, some of the planet's most prominent musical acts and some stellar boxing contests

Tottenham also possess a larger stadium than north London adversaries Arsenal with their capacity slightly exceeding the Emirates, which was constructed nearly two decades ago. Henry however made his loyalties clear when he arrived at the ground to watch Conor Benn defeat Chris Eubank Jnr.

He was questioned by a reporter about his thoughts on being in hostile territory and informed DAZN: "Weird. I never came to the new stadium, I used to come to the old one and win a lot, but it's nice."

One of Henry's finest moments at White Hart Lane occurred in 2004 when Arsenal clinched the title at their rivals' home whilst marching towards an invincible campaign. They drew 2-2 but that was enough to crown them champions.

Whilst Arsenal were undisputed masters of north London during Henry's spell at the club they would actually have to accept a stalemate at White Hart Lane in four successive years, although they were considerably more commanding back at Highbury. Henry's solitary strike at White Hart Lane arrived in the 2004 when Arsenal triumphed in a nine-goal spectacular to overcome Tottenham 5-4.

Henry was a key player in the last Arsenal team to clinch the top spot in the Premier League, that back in 2004 when the Invincibles were at their peak. Since then, Arsenal haven't reached such lofty heights, but they currently sit at the top under Mikel Arteta's leadership.

Many have predicted that they will finally end their wait after finishing second three times consecutively. Significant summer investment has helped establish them as favourites, although Manchester City recently narrowed the gap to four points after Arsenal drew late on against Sunderland recently.

However, Henry remains optimistic about their chances. He stated: "As a fan I'm going to have to go with Arsenal. I do think we look solid, a bit less against Sunderland the other day, but its time for us so hopefully it can happen."

Pape Matar Sarr suffered an injury in Senegal's clash with Brazil on Saturday

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw says Pape Matar Sarr's injury sustained against Brazil isn't serious, giving Tottenham a big boost ahead of next week's North London Derby with Arsenal.

Sarr started Saturday's 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium but was forced off in the second half after going down under a challenge. The Spurs midfielder was flanked my medical staff and appeared in discomfort as he left the pitch.

The blow will have been a big concern for Thomas Frank, who already has 12 first-team stars sidelined. Thiaw, however, tempered fears that the midfielder had suffered anything serious. “He got hit and then he didn’t feel well, so as a precaution he preferred to come off, but I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Arsenal also suffered a major injury scare as defender Gabriel limped out of Brazil’s friendly win. Gabriel, 27, went down just before the hour mark on his home ground and received treatment to his right thigh before being substituted by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

When Ancelotti was asked how bad the injury was and whether he could temper fears of Arsenal supporters fearing the worst, he couldn’t.

“Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem with his adductor, the medical staff have to check tomorrow,” said Ancelotti. “We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury, I hope they can recover well and soon.”

Gabriel’s absence would be a major blow for the leaders after a fine start to the season based on a firm defence that has conceded just five goals in 11 Premier League games.

He had started the game well, making some key tackles and interceptions before going down in the Senegalese box after seemingly over-stretching in an action.

Gabriel missed the end of last season with a hamstring problem, which cost him inclusion in the run-in for the UEFA Champions League.

Should Gabriel miss the match, it will be a big boost for Frank. The manager has enjoyed an impressive start to his reign in north London - but he's still searching for the right balance in Spurs' attack.

Speaking after last weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Frank said: “We are searching to find the right balance up front and I think when we look at the game back, I think there was positive bits going forward.

“We constantly work on the relationship and try to improve it with the players and try to find what is exactly the right blend, but I think there were small steps in the right direction.

(Against United) we wanted two strikers, Kolo Muani and Richarlison, for the crosses, which we thought was an area where we potentially could hurt United.

“I think it worked perfectly with the first one (by Brennan Johnson), where Richarlison got a big chance, so that could have been an unbelievable, fantastic game plan from us. So that was part of it and we need different personalities and types for different games.”

Tottenham Hotspur pursued Antoine Semenyo unsuccessfully in the summer and it has now emerged that the Lilywhites are considering another move for the on-fire forward

Thomas Frank has already made his thoughts clear on Antoine Semenyo amid reports of Tottenham’s interest in the Bournemouth sensation.

The forward, 25, is currently one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League and is being monitored by a number of big clubs. Sky Sports report that Tottenham, as well as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, are among the interested parties

In June, Spurs made an enquiry for Semenyo but the Cherries’ response was firm; they had no intention of selling and it would take an offer in the region of £70million to alter their stance.

The north Londoners ended up spending that money in other areas, but could now reignite their interest in the Ghana international ahead of the January transfer window.

The left-wing position is one which Frank can certainly upgrade in, and the Dane made it clear exactly a year ago that he holds Semenyo in high regard, suggesting he would be open to Spurs now making a move for the forward.

While still in charge of Brentford and speaking ahead of the Bees’ clash with Bournemouth, Frank named Semenyo as the biggest threat that his side needed to keep tabs on.

"Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play. He's a fantastic player," said Frank.

"I think he's been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season. He is definitely a player we need to look out for and do our best to close down."

He was certainly correct in his assessment as Semenyo went on to record 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances last term. That incredible form has continued this season, with the Ghanaian notching six goals and three assists already in 11 league games.

Since being signed from Bristol City in January 2023, he has developed into one of the most dangerous and consistent forwards in the Premier League. As a result, Spurs will have to fork out a hefty sum if they want to sign the player.

It is understood that Semenyo is happy on the south coast and has not asked to leave, contrary to some reports, with the player even being annoyed at such accusations.

The likes of Arsenal and United were also interested in his signature in the summer but secured alternatives in Eberechi Eze and Bryan Mbeumo, respectively.

And, in July, the winger signed a new five-year contract at the Vitality Stadium, meaning Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell their star man any time soon.

Arsenal have been left with the question why Gabriel Magalhaes started for Brazil in a friendly if there were concerns about his load management following an injury blow

When Carlo Ancelotti was asked if he could give any encouragement to Arsenal supporters as to the status of Gabriel Magalhaes, sadly, all he could offer was an apology and the clarification the 27-year-old had suffered an adductor issue.

Yet questions linger, because Brazilian journalist Natalie Gedra - reporting for Sky Sports - explained that the centre-half had warmed-up separately on the Friday training session.

This was done because there was a consciousness about the player's load management, having played so many games of late. The query to put forward, therefore, is that if this was the case, why would he start in a friendly match?

The 27-year-old had started the game well, making some key tackles and interceptions before going down in the Senegalese box after seemingly over-stretching in an action.

"Bad?" Ancelotti replied when asked for how bad the situation was by football.london. "I don’t know, he had a problem with his adductor, the medical staff have to check tomorrow.

"We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury, I hope they can recover well and soon."

Gabriel missed the end of the previous season with a hamstring problem, which cost him inclusion in the run-in for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Jakub Kiwior came in for the Brazilian but has since left on loan to FC Porto. Arteta does, however, have several other options to call upon in his place.

Arsenal face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on November 22 and might need to do so without their greatest threat in the box from set-pieces.

Piero Hincapie has featured at both left-back and left centre-half this season. While Cristhian Mosquera has also played next to William Saliba in a back two.

Riccardo Calafiori can also play in the role; however, he has suffered a hip problem preventing him from featuring for Italy during the international break.

It could mean Myles Lewis-Skelly finds a pathway into the team for a run of crucial games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea when the international break concludes.

Mikel Arteta faces the press on Friday and, naturally, will be asked for an update when Gabriel returns to the Sobha Realty Training Centre this week. There will likely be uncomfortable questions about the player starting in a friendly if there were known concerns about his fitness.

BRAZIL 2-0 SENEGAL: football.london rates all of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham’s stars’ performances as they faced off at the Emirates Stadium

Brazil earned a comfortable win in a chaotic, frenetic and feisty clash with Senegal. Plenty of London-based players involved, but while Chelsea fans will be delighted with their young stars' performance, Arsenal and Tottenham supporters have cause for concern.

Matheus Cunha came close to scoring the opener for Brazil in the first half when Bruno Guimaraes’ cross found the Man United forward, who headed onto the bar. Chelsea’s Estevao, however, would soon after earn them the lead, the ball falling to him on the right, which he dispatched excellently.

Casemiro then doubled the lead after a free kick was sent to the back post, which he duly curled off the far right post and in. A worry for Tottenham will be that Pape Matar Sarr had to be replaced with an injury just after half-time.

Then it would be Arsenal’s Gabriel to come off too, with what looks to be a right-hand side groin problem, with the way the Brazilian was holding his upper right leg.

Here’s how football.london rated the performances of all Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea's performers:

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) – Big tackle early in the game on the edge of the box to set up a counterattack, which led to Matheus Cunha hitting the post. Produced an excellent pre-empted clearance as a cross came in to prevent a Senegal chance. Came off in the second half with a groin issue. 7

Richarlison (Tottenham) – Was an unused substitute. n/a

Estevao (Chelsea) – The winger scored his fourth goal in the colours of the Selecao. Despite the defence thinking they’d got their foot to the ball, it squirmed out to the right, where a waiting Estevao beautifully curled a strike with his left foot around Edouard Mendy.

Was a delight to watch throughout the game and sent a clear statement to Enzo Maresca as to his credentials to establish himself on the Chelsea right. 8

Joao Pedro (Chelsea) – Came on in the second half to play up top. Couldn't really get into the game and was frustrated with a lack of service. 5

Andrey Santos (Chelsea) – Was an unused substitute. n/a

Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham) – Was unable to get on the ball too much in the first half, but toward the midpoint, the Spurs midfielder thought he might find a chance, but saw his path blocked by Gabriel. Worryingly for Tottenham Hotspur, a week before the North London Derby, he had to come off just after half-time after a collision with Matheus Cunha. 6

Tottenham Hotspur will be facing a nervous wait after being handed a potential injury scare just a week before the North London Derby against Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potential injury scare just a week before the North London Derby against Arsenal.

Spurs are currently in the middle of the November international break, the final two-week hiatus from top-flight action of the calendar year.

Thomas Frank and Co. will be facing a nervous wait to hope that the Tottenham players who have travelled to represent their country will return to the club with no injury or fitness concerns.

However, that may not be the case as Pape Matar Sarr has handed Spurs a potential injury worry just a week before the international break comes to an end.

Sarr was in action for Senegal against Brazil on Saturday afternoon in an international friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

The Tottenham midfielder was named in the starting line-up by manager Pape Thiaw, but was forced to be withdrawn from the contest in the 49th minute.

Sarr went to ground after a challenge with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha for Brazil, and was subsequently substituted to be replaced by Bayern Munich star and Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson.

Brazil had take a 2-0 lead going into the half-time interval, with goals from Chelsea forward Estevao Willian and Man United midfielder Casemiro.

It remains to be seen what the severity of the potential injury could be, with Senegal also set to face Kenya on Tuesday in their final match of the international break.

The game also saw Arsenal handed their own injury concern as Gabriel Magalhaes was substituted for Brazil with a potential injury in the second half.

Frank has regularly relied on Sarr in the Tottenham midfield this season, with the 23-year-old starting and playing the full 90 minutes in each of the last two Premier League matches against Chelsea and Man United.

Spurs will return to Premier League action on November 23 where they will face Arsenal in the North London Derby at the Emirates, and it remains to be seen if Sarr will be available for the fixture.

Lovely skill

Eder Militao wasn't the player I had down to pull out the flair but he dinks the ball into the air and over the head of his opponent before running down the right and finding Estevao.

Senegal come back

The African side have earned a corner after Ndiaye nearly managed to find an opening.

Atmosphere is great in here!

Arsenal can perform Gabriel Jesus U-turn after UEFA rule change but only in nightmare scenario

Gabriel Jesus has recently returned to training with his Arsenal teammates. The Brazilian has been missing since January, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Manchester United.

As a result, the Gunners left him out of their UEFA Champions League squad at the start of the 2025/26 season. It was a decision which had puzzled some with the Brazilian believed to be back for the final two games of the league phase in January being a possibility.

Now that he has returned to training in November, there would have been a chance he might even be back on the pitch in December with the club facing Brugge on the 10th of the same month. Mikel Arteta hoped at the time that their decision might be proven wrong.

Article continues here.

Loudest cheer Richarlison will ever get here

Playing in enemy territory from the other side of North London, the Brazilian striker gets a big cheer from the fans inside the stadium.

Gabriel Magalhaes however steals the show alongside Vinicius Jr with plenty Arsenal supporters in here as expected.

Gabriel Jesus confirms Arsenal exit plan amid Everton transfer links

Gabriel Jesus has opened up about his ambition to rejoin former club Palmeiras, though an Arsenal departure isn't imminent. The Brazilian striker arrived at Emirates Stadium from Manchester City in 2022.

The Gunners splashed out £45million to secure Jesus' services, but persistent injury setbacks have limited him to just 96 appearances since his arrival, netting 26 goals.

Jesus has consistently been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with moves away from Arsenal, with Everton the most recent club mentioned - though Arsenal will reject any approaches from their Premier League counterparts.

Article continues here.