GABRIEL MAGALHAES has been ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics with a knee injury.
The Arsenal defender, 23, was called up to be part of the Brazil squad for the upcoming Games.
But the Brazilian FA confirmed he left the team’s training camp in Sao Paulo on Tuesday when it became clear he would not be fit to compete at the Olympics.
Gabriel arrived at the Brazilian base last Thursday and complained of trouble in his right knee after his first training session.
After checks, the doctors revealed he had tendonitis.
A statement said: “Gabriel started physiotherapy follow-up and was released from all strength exercises. The pains continued.
“The athlete then underwent an MRI examination on Monday, when tendonitis in the right knee was detected, with joint swelling.”
Andre Jardine will confirm a replacement in the coming days.
But Gabriel played down the magnitude of the problem as ‘nothing serious’ in welcome news for Arsenal fans less than six weeks before the new Premier League season begins.
The centre-back – who made 32 appearances in his debut season at the Emirates – wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately I won’t be able to fulfill my dream. Not now.
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“Due to an injury, nothing serious, I will not be able to defend my country’s colours at the Olympics.
“I will be, from a distance, rooting for the national team and for my team-mates. God knows everything.”
Gabriel counted as one of the regular 19 Under-23 stars born after January 1, 1997 in the Brazil squad – with three over-age players allowed.
The defender’s Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Martinelli is also included as are Everton ace Richarlison, on-loan Borussia Dortmund playmaker Reinier and Lyon talent Bruno Guimaraes.
Veteran full-back Dani Alves, 38, is heading to Tokyo for the Games, which look set to be staged behind closed doors with another state of emergency due in the Japanese capital.
The 118-cap international was left out of the Copa America squad as the senior side face Argentina in Saturday night’s final.
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