Arsenal fans fume over fresh details of Gabriel injury

Following the match, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti expressed regret over his handling of the 27-year-old, who departed visibly in pain, clutching his abductor.

‘Bad? I don’t know,’ the former Real Madrid manager said. ‘He had an injury in his adductor. The medical staff has to check tomorrow.

‘We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When a player has an injury, you hope they can recover well and soon.’

Those remarks may not ease frustration, especially after it was revealed that Gabriel was already a fitness concern prior to kickoff.

‘What we do know is that yesterday when Brazil were doing their final session here at the Emirates before the game Gabriel did his warm-up separately from the rest of the group,’ confirmed Sky Sports reporter Natalie Gedra.

‘They were trying to manage his load because he’s been playing a lot of minutes this season.’

Considering his value to both club and country, fans were stunned that a player who endured a significant hamstring issue last season was risked.

‘You build a squad to cover for injuries, but every injury increases the load on others,’ said one disgruntled supporter on X. ‘Thankfully Arsenal have Piero Hincapie ready to step up, but the fact Gabriel picked up this injury in a meaningless friendly, after training alone due to load management, is infuriating.’

Another agreed, writing: ‘Absolutely insane that he played the game. Completely irresponsible from everyone involved.’

Arsenal are also monitoring the condition of Riccardo Calafiori, who withdrew from Italy duty, though Fabrizio Romano reports he should be fit to face Spurs.

New arrivals Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera offer reliable alternatives, with the Spanish Under-21 standout impressing early in his Arsenal tenure since arriving from Valencia.

‘Above all, it’s the pace of it: back and forth, more direct,’ he told the Guardian when asked about the difference between England and Spanish football. ‘I love it.’