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Deja vu! Arsenal title push takes huge hit that could change January transfer plans
Suraj Radia
- 16 Nov 2025 14:51 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal’s title challenge could once again have taken a mighty blow which could require Mikel Arteta to delve into the January transfer market after a nightmare scenario emerged during the international break.
The Gunners sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League hoping to secure their first league title in more than 20 years, having come runners up in the last three seasons under Arteta.
Many Arsenal fans will point to crucial injuries suffered at pivotal moments of the season which had led to a collapse in their title push, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz missing significant portions of previous campaigns.
And Arsenal may be dealing with a repeat of their fate after seeing defenders Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori suffer injuries while on international duty this week.
Compared
Riccardo Calafiori
D (CL)
Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori
D (CL)
Arsenal
VS
Gabriel Magalhães
D (C)
Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhães
D (C)
Arsenal
2025/2026
Season Statistics
2025/2026
| 12 | Appearances | 17 |
| 1 | Goals | 2 |
| 2 | Assists | 3 |
| 952 | Minutes Played | 1356 |
| 7 | Interceptions | 10 |
| 16 | Tackles | 17 |
Calafiori has returned to London but it is believed the Italian’s injury is not serious, although Gabriel will have a scan on Sunday after being substituted in Brazil’s win over Senegal on Saturday.
“Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow,” Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”
Arsenal set to call on forgotten duo to replace injured stars
Gabriel has been an integral member of Arteta’s side this season, playing every minute of every Premier League match so far, while Calafiori has also featured in all 11 games.
Arsenal will be hoping both players will be available for their next game against rivals Tottenham on November 23, although Myles Lewis-Skelly will be ready to make his long-anticipated first start of the league season if Calafiori is missing at left-back.
Meanwhile, left-sided defender Piero Hincapie was signed from Bayer Leverkusen on loan in the summer and the Ecuadorian could also make his full debut for the club in place of Gabriel, having played just 26 minutes of league action so far.
But with Gabriel being a huge part of Arsenal’s set piece dominance this season, Arsenal could look to make a short-term signing in January to avoid any repeats of previous seasons if the injuries are worse than feared.
The Gunners could also explore the possibility of recalling Jakub Kiwior from his loan at Porto but that prospect appears unlikely due to the Portuguese side having an obligation to buy the Polish international for €17 million next summer.
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€50m star goes public on Arsenal transfer ‘DESIRE’ after Arteta U-turn
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