Tottenham handed massive boost ahead of Arsenal clash with Gabriel sidelined | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major lift ahead of Sunday’s North London derby against Arsenal.

According to The Athletic, Gunners centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is set to be out for four to eight weeks, effectively ruling him out of this weekend’s bout against Spurs.

The “world-class” centre-back limped off the pitch during Brazil’s 2-0 win against Senegal, and his absence will give Tottenham hopes of ending their dreadful record against their city rivals.

Tottenham are heading into this weekend’s headline fixture at the Emirates Stadium on the back of a six-match winless streak against Arsenal.

In fact, they have picked up just one point from a possible 18 in that miserable run.

The last time Spurs got the better of Arsenal was back in May 2022 when a first-half brace from Harry Kane and a second-half strike from Heung-min Son handed them a comprehensive 3-0 win.

However, that victory came at Tottenham’s home ground, and you’d have to go back much further for the last time they won a game at the Emirates.

The Emirates has been an impenetrable fortress for Tottenham over the last 13 years. The last time they came away with a win on Arsenal’s turf was in November 2010.

Tottenham will head into this weekend’s fixture as massive underdogs given their miserable form at the Emirates, but Gabriel’s injury blow will spark hopes of bucking the trend.

Gabriel is one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted lieutenants and one half of the most formidable centre-back pairing in the Premier League. He’s also a huge threat from set-pieces.

Arsenal have been the deadliest team in the Premier League from set-pieces, creating an impressive 8.98 expected goals from dead-ball situations, more than any side in the league.

Out of their 20 goals scored so far, 12 have come from set-plays, including penalties, and their threat in the air has become a defining feature of their game.

Gabriel plays a huge role in Arsenal’s aerial dominance. He has a knack for popping up in the right areas and rising to the occasion, especially when the delivery is pinpoint.

Since joining Arsenal in 2010, Gabriel has featured in 10 North London derbies and won seven.

Last season, he scored the winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He also played a key role in the decisive own goal at the Emirates, and was named man of the match in both fixtures.

Aside from Gabriel, Arsenal could also be without Viktor Gyokeres in the North London derby.