We are really sorry - Ancelotti's Apology After Gabriel Injury
Carlo Ancelotti has offered a heartfelt apology to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury during Brazil's friendly match against Senegal. The influential Gunners center-back now faces an uncertain recovery period as the severity of his abductor complaint is yet to be determined. Read on for the latest updates on this unfortunate situation.
Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes limped out of Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal, with the Selecao head coach saying the defender now faces a painful wait to discover the severity of the injury. The influential Gunners centre-back could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an abductor complaint on Saturday evening.Having already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, Brazil are in the process of fine tuning ahead of next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The five-time champions continued their preparations with a 2-0 victory over Senegal on Saturday, with Chelsea winger Estevao and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro doing the damage at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.However, in what could prove to be a major blow in Arsenal’s pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2003-04, Gabriel had to be substituted with an abductor complaint after the hour mark. The 27-year-old was subsequently replaced by Roma full-back Wesley Franca as Ancelotti’s men saw out a second victory in their last three matches.Following the game, Ancelotti stressed Gabriel will be assessed by Brazil’s medical staff on Sunday as they look to determine how serious his abductor injury is, though the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager did express his regret over the incident.When asked about Gabriel’s injury, Ancelotti said: “Bad? I don't know, he had a problem on 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 has been in remarkable form for Arsenal in 2025-26, scoring two goals in all competitions. Such is the former Lille defender’s importance to the Gunners that he has featured in all 17 of their games this season, helping Mikel Arteta’s side rise to the Premier League summit in addition to being joint-leaders in the Champions League standings.On what proved to be a sore day for Arsenal, fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori also withdrew from international duty with Italy due to injury. Confirming the 23-year-old has left camp ahead of returning to north London, Azzurri boss Gennaro Gattuso told Sky Sport Italia: “Calafiori left the training camp. We tried Calafiori, he had a few issues. I thank him for his commitment: he stayed here for a week, he could have played perhaps, but it wouldn't have been fair to him or Arsenal. We'll see who plays between [Gianluca] Mancini and [Alessandro] Buongiorno.”Arsenal have a number of players on the sidelines at the moment, with Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard all currently nursing injuries.Arsenal also received a disappointing update earlier in the week when Norway manager Stale Solbakken declared captain Odegaard is still “some distance away” in his rehabilitation. The midfielder has been unavailable since suffering medial ligament damage in his left knee during the 2-0 league victory over West Ham on 4 October."It is steady,” Solbakken told reporters when asked about Odegaard’s injury. “It is going in a steady direction but he is some distance away. He will fly in [to Oslo] after his rehab on Thursday. Then he will continue his rehab with us and will be with us from Thursday afternoon. I don't know when the flight leaves. But he will be with us until Milan.”Despite carrying an injury, Odegaard opted to join up with the Norway national team as they stand on the brink of reaching the 2026 World Cup. The Group I leaders have all-but qualified for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with second-placed Italy highly unlikely to reverse their current 17-goal deficit to Solbakken’s men when the two sides meet on Sunday.Arsenal await news on the severity of both Gabriel and Calafiori’s injuries ahead of returning to Premier League action next Sunday. Arteta’s side play host to old foes Tottenham in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium. Thomas Frank’s Spurs are currently fifth in the table and eights points (18) behind Arsenal (26).
Gabriel's Injury and Ancelotti's Apology
Gabriel Magalhaes was forced to leave the field with an abductor complaint during Brazil's recent match against Senegal. This potentially serious injury has left Arsenal fans concerned about their key defender's availability. Carlo Ancelotti expressed his regret over the incident, stating that the medical staff will assess the extent of the injury in the coming days. Ancelotti emphasized his disappointment and extended his best wishes for Gabriel's speedy recovery.
Gabriel's Form and Importance to Arsenal
Gabriel has been in stellar form for Arsenal in the current season, playing a crucial role in their success. The Brazilian defender's absence could prove to be a significant setback for Mikel Arteta's side as they aim for silverware. His presence at the heart of Arsenal's defense has been instrumental in their strong start to the campaign, including leading the Premier League table and sharing the top spot in the Champions League group.
Other Injury Concerns for Arsenal
In addition to Gabriel's injury, Arsenal's defensive ranks have been further depleted by Riccardo Calafiori's withdrawal from the Italian national team due to fitness issues. With several key players, including Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Jesus, currently sidelined, the Gunners are facing a challenging period on the injury front. The club will be monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Odegaard's Road to Recovery
Norway captain Martin Odegaard continues his rehabilitation process after sustaining a knee injury. While progress is steady, the midfielder remains distant from a full recovery, according to national team manager Stale Solbakken. Despite his injury woes, Odegaard chose to join the Norway squad as they approach World Cup qualification, showcasing his commitment to the national team's cause.
Arsenal's Next Steps
As Arsenal await updates on Gabriel and Calafiori's injuries, they are gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The north London derby presents a significant test for Arteta's men, who will be aiming to maintain their league-leading position and fend off their rivals. With key players sidelined, Arsenal will need to dig deep and showcase their depth during this challenging period.

