Arsenal have been handed a huge boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Everton this weekend. Mikel Arteta was left sweating over the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes after the Brazilian defender had seemingly suffered an injury whilst away on international duty.
The 25-year-old centre-half was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge during Brazil's 5-1 victory against Bolivia last week. After he was substituted towards the end of the match, he was seen holding an ice pack on his thigh - sparking fears that he had picked up a muscle injury.
Physical therapy doctor, Dr. Rajpal Brar, provided a brief update on his initial assessment of the injury. On X (formerly known as Twitter), he wrote: "Thigh issue for Arsenal CB Gabriel Magalhaes - unsure if it's contact related or a muscle pull."
Brar later provided another update, adding: "Based on what multiple people have told me, sounds contact related. Overall good news."
After making his Brazil debut, Gabriel took to social media to update his fans following his debut for Brazil. The 25-year-old wrote on Instagram: "Only God knows how much I’ve waited for this moment!!
"So happy for the debut and the big win!! Come on Brazil."
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There was no indication from the Arsenal defender that he had suffered an injury, and now there has been a positive update on his fitness. Gabriel took part in Brazil training after Arsenal were left sweating over his fitness, according to Charles Watts.
Reports out of the Brazil national team camp suggest that scans on the thigh problem he suffered against Bolivia showed no sign of any injury. The 25-year-old is now expected to start for Brazil against Peru on Tuesday.
Gabriel is likely to start against Everton with Thomas Partey still recovering from a groin injury. The 30-year-old missed the win against United and is not expected to return until after the October international break.
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