Brazil have officially announced that Arsenal defender {statorium_player pid=2070 sid=252 text="Gabriel Magalhaes"}, has withdrawn from the team due to injury for this month's international features.
After an incredible run of play that has seen him develop into a true leader in {statorium_team tid=9 sid=252 text="Arsenal's"} defence and help the Gunners grab the lead in the Premier League title race, Gabriel was well-rewarded with a call-up.
However, after Gabriel injury complaints, Brazil's manager Dorival Junior said that the defender has now left his squad, raising concerns among Arsenal supporters.
Latest situation on Gabriel
"I had already communicated previously that we work with a slightly more extensive list. A pre-call, we can put it that way, and again, today, we had another casualty", the Brazil manager revealed. "Unfortunately, Gabriel Magalhaes is uncalled. In his place, we are calling Bremer, from Juventus, from Italy."
After the international break, Arsenal play Manchester City in the Premier League, a fixture that could have an impact on the fight for the title. However, it's uncertain if Gabriel will be fit enough to contribute significantly to that game.
Thankfully for Arsenal supporters, sources indicate that Gabriel's withdrawal from the Brazil team was primarily a precautionary measure.
Since the South American team is playing friendlies against England and Spain this month rather than competitive matches, it is thought that they have given Gabriel permission to return to Arsenal for additional testing about his problem.
Gabriel has been one of {statorium_team tid=9 sid=252 text="Arsenal's"} best players this year, despite starting the season as a substitute. The 26-year-old has now racked up 38 appearances across all competitions.
After being benched last season, the centre defender acknowledged this month that manager Mikel Arteta had to convince him to stay at Arsenal.
"It was tough, obviously at the start. I wanted to play and it was very difficult for me but I understood what the coach had to do", Gabriel told.
"It is difficult for any player to not be in the team but now I’m back in I want to keep on working hard to prove my worth."
"He [Arteta] spoke to me and obviously explained the reasons behind the decision, why I should stay - but the most important thing was to remain focused and concentrate. He knew how important I was to the team, so I’m happy to be back and to be able to help the team in every game."
"I’m happy to be back in the team and hopefully I can help them moving forward."
{statorium_player pid=2070 sid=252 text="Gabriel"} was given a path back into the starting lineup through injuries, and the Brazilian hasn't looked back since.