Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffers knee injury

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been forced to withdraw from the Brazil Olympics squad after suffering a knee injury.

The Gunners permitted the centre-back to play at the Olympic games in Tokyo, but he has now picked up an injury.

The extent of the problem is unknown, but he has been excluded from the 21-man squad for the tournament.

Mikel Arteta likes to play with a left-footed centre-back in the line-up, and he has the position covered with Pablo Mari.

The north London club will hope that Gabriel's setback is nothing serious, and he will be fit for the new season.

The Gunners play as many as six friendlies home and abroad before the new Premier League campaign starts next month.

They are set to begin the Premier League season with a Friday night clash at newly-promoted Brentford on August 13.

The club have yet to make any new signings, but there could be a couple of new arrivals over the next few days.

They are expected to announce the signings of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga from Benfica and Anderlecht.