Arsenal Could Be Owed Millions from Gabriel Injury Thanks to FIFA Rule

Arsenal would be entitled to a substantial payment from FIFA after defender Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury for Brazil.

Gabriel started for Carlo Ancelotti's side in a 2-0 win over Senegal on Saturday at the Gunners' Emirates Stadium, with Chelsea's Estevao Willian and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro both on target.

But disaster struck for Gabriel after he picked up in injury in the second half. Play was stopped when the former Lille man went to the ground, feeling discomfort which led to him signalling to the bench and requiring treatment.

The 27-year-old was seen clutching his inner thigh and was full of frustration as he walked off the pitch and was substituted in the 64th minute, making way for Roma's Wesley.

Afterwards, Ancelotti provided a brief update and apology of sorts when asked about Gabriel's injury heading in to a friendly with Tunisia in Lille on Tuesday.

“Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow," the former Real Madrid manager said.

"We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”

Gabriel has played every minute in the Premier League for leaders Arsenal, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding just five goals in the 17 games he has been involved in.

FIFA's compensation rule explained

However, his injury could be a major blow for Arsenal ahead of the North London derby with Spurs on Sunday, where Mikel Arteta's men are already set to be without Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori after he left Italy's training camp with a hip problem.

They also have a Champions League tie against Bayern Munich approaching, as well as league games against Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa.

But if Gabriel's lay-off is a long one, then Arsenal will be in line for a compensation payment.

That's because since 2012, FIFA's 'Club Protection Programme' ensures clubs receive a sum if their player is injured on international duty.

To be eligible for the scheme, the injured player must be sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days after an "accident".

The maximum amount clubs can receive is £6.6 million - based off the daily compensation of £18,000 - with FIFA effectively covering a player's wage during their period of absence.

At the moment, Newcastle are being compensated by FIFA in regards to their £55 million summer signing Yoane Wissa, who was injured on national team duty with DR Congo.

The former Brentford man picked up a knee injury back in September and is yet to make his debut for the Magpies, having been out of action for 80 days and missing a total of 16 fixtures.