Mikel Arteta confirms massive Arsenal injury blow

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a huge injury blow ahead of the Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners have had a fantastic start to the league campaign, and they are presently top of the standings with a four-point lead over Manchester City.

Ahead of the season resumption, Arteta has revealed a big setback for Gabriel Magalhaes.

The centre-back will be sidelined for several weeks after a groin injury sustained while playing for Brazil against Senegal earlier this month.

He said during today's presser: "Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazil national team and he's going to be out for weeks."

In his absence, Piero Hincapie or Cristhian Mosquera could slot in as the left-sided centre-back. Riccardo Calafiori is another option.

The Gunners take on Spurs at the Emirates this weekend before entertaining Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

This will be followed by an away derby against Chelsea. The club have a hectic schedule and will need to cope without Gabriel.