HUGE BLOW Why Gabriel Magalhaes has left Brazil squad after double Arsenal injury scare

Gabriel will miss Brazil’s game against Argentina

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes will return to north London earlier than planned after being ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

The Gunners centre-half, enjoying another sublime campaign at the heart of defence alongside William Saliba, played the full 90 minutes in Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Colombia in Brasilia.

But the 27-year-old will have no role to play in next week’s qualifier against Argentina in in Buenos Aires.

His absence is good news for Arsenal fans however with Gabriel serving a suspension after picking up a booking in the Colombia game.

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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also making the trip back to the UK ahead of schedule.

The shot stopper clashed heads with Davison Sanchez during Thursday’s game and while he has not reported any further issues, will still follow Fifa’s concussion protocols and miss his nation’s next game.

Alisson will return to Merseyside with Liverpool back in action against Everton in the Merseyside derby on 2 April.

Arsenal meanwhile will be grateful to have Gabriel back unscathed ahead of their game against Fulham on 1 April.

But Mikel Arteta is already counting the cost of the international break with Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber also withdrawing from their respective squads early.

Calafiori suffered a knee injury while playing for Italy against Germany.