ARSENAL defender Gabriel was sent home from Brazil duty after suffering a thigh injury.
The centre-back, 27, limped off during his country’s friendly against Senegal at the Emirates on Saturday after pulling up during the second half.
Gabriel subsequently underwent scans, which revealed an issue in his right thigh.
A Brazil national team statement read: “Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday (16) and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.
“Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him.”
Boss Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday: “Bad (injury)? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow.
“We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”
Brazil’s clash with Tunisia is set to go ahead at the Decathlon Arena on Tuesday evening, where Gabriel played for Lille between 2017 and 2020.
Gabriel, who will not be involved, is now a major injury doubt for Arsenal’s North London derby clash with Tottenham next Sunday.
A key man for boss Mikel Arteta, Gabriel has played every single minute so far this season in the Premier League.
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He even captained the side against Liverpool and Manchester City in Martin Odegaard’s absence.
Should he miss out on the North London derby, Gabriel may be replaced in the starting XI by Cristhian Mosquera.
The summer signing from Valencia, 21, has made 12 appearances in all competitions so far this term.
Alternatively, Piero Hincapie could make his first Premier League start for the club.
The summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, 23, has suffered with groin issues this season and has had to remain patient for opportunities.
Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr also pulled up during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal.
But boss Pape Thiaw has played down the midfielder’s injury.
The 44-year-old said: “He got hit and then he didn’t feel well, so as a precaution he preferred to come off, but I don’t think it’s a big deal.”
