Arsenal host Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Emirates next Tuesday.
The Gunners are gunning for European glory after falling 12 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Real Madrid could be without Antonio Rudiger for the first leg, with the German set to be banned for his ‘indecent conduct’ during the game against Atletico Madrid in the last round.
However, Arsenal have their own defensive worries, after Gabriel Magalhaes went down injured against Fulham on Tuesday.
Gabriel Magalhaes to miss both Real Madrid games for Arsenal
Arsenal fans were devastated when Gabriel clutched his hamstring and was forced off after 15 minutes against the Cottagers.
The Brazilian, who has been immense for Mikel Arteta’s team this campaign, was clearly in discomfort after sprinting to keep pace with a Fulham counter-attack.
The supporters’ worst fears were confirmed by the Mirror journalist John Cross on Thursday morning, with the defender set to miss both legs against Real Madrid.
Gabriel has undergone scans to learn the extent of the damage to his hamstring, with the early signs presenting a ‘major worry’.
A huge blow for Arsenal, Gabriel will also miss league games against Everton, Brentford and Ipswich, with no return date yet set.
How Arsenal can deal without Gabriel
Establishing himself as one of the best defenders in world football over the last two years, Gabriel will no doubt be a huge loss to Arsenal.
Essential to the way the Gunners suffocate opposition with his and Saliba’s aggressive positioning, the 27-year-old is also a fundamental part of Arteta’s team’s build-up.
However, there are three potential replacements for Gabriel that the Spaniard should explore, all of which have promising aspects to them.
Jakub Kiwior is the most likely, given he’s a natural left-sided centre-back, although the Pole may not be at the level to deal with Kylian Mbappe.
Alternatively, Arteta could turn to Ben White, who could either slot in at centre-back himself or push Timber centrally and fill in at right-back.
Finally, if Riccardo Calafiori is deemed fit for the game, the Italian was brought in not just as a left-back, but as an emergency back-up to Gabriel for instances like this.
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