Gabriel Magalhaes injury statement as Arsenal blow could hand Liverpool title boost

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Arsenal's defender Gabriel is a significant doubt for the upcoming North London derby after scans revealed he has sustained a thigh injury, in what could be a boost to Liverpool and the rest of the chasing pack. The statement read: "Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.

No other player will be called up to replace him." This news confirms Arsenal's worst fears ahead of next Sunday's showdown with Tottenham at the Emirates. "We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon." Riccardo Calafiori has returned to Arsenal from international duty with Italy, though his injury is not believed to be serious.

Gabriel was forced off in the second half of Brazil's friendly vs Senegal, adding to Arsenal's injury worries (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso explained that whilst Calafiori could have potentially featured in their final World Cup qualifier, he was permitted to depart the camp early out of respect for his club. 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." The Gunners enter the north London derby sitting atop the Premier League table, four points clear of Manchester City.