Arsenal survive injury scare on top star

Arsenal have survived the injury scare on top star Gabriel Magalhaes. It has been reveled that the defender has not suffered an injury after he was forced off during Brazil’s victory over Bolivia

The 25-year-old was replaced in the closing stages of Friday night’s World Cup qualifier with Brazil cruising to a 5-1 victory. He was seen with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh as he sat among the substitutes.

The injury scare prompted concern among Arsenal fans. But latest reports from Brazil suggest that his replacement late on Friday was merely precautionary.

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Globo Esporte report Gabriel underwent scans on his right thigh after complaining of ‘muscle pain’ which revealed no injury.

Gabriel is slated to feature in Tuesday’s clash against Peru. Brazil’s head coach Fernando Diniz plans to use the same starting XI that eased to victory over Bolivia.

Fellow Premier League stars Ederson, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison are expected to enjoy starting roles.

Gabriel was replaced in the closing stages of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier on Friday night

Gabriel was left out of Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for the first three games of the Premier League season. Ben White was selected to start alongside William Saliba at the heart of defence. Thomas Partey was seen deployed in a right-back role.

Partey’s injury had however forced Arteta into a rethink during clash with Manchester United before the international break. Gabriel is expected to return to the side to resume last season’s successful partnership with Saliba.

The Brazilian helped Arsenal seal a 3-1 victory over United with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scoring in injury time.

With Partey and Jurrien Timber sidelined, Gabriel will hope to retain his place in the side when Arsenal resume their league campaign against Everton on Sunday.

Arteta and his side will kick off their Champions League return against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday 20 September. They will thereafter engage in their first north London derby of the season against Tottenham at the Emirates four days later.

Gabriel was linked with a move to Saudi Arabian clubs in the final stages of the summer transfer window.

But Arteta had dismissed the possibility of any move, insisting the former Lille star remains ‘very important’ to his plans.