Arsenal are without Gabriel Magalhaes for the rest of the season, with the defender coming as a huge loss for the side.
The Gunners have had a rock-solid backline for some time, with the partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba lining up well.
It is something that has underpinned the success of Arsenal in recent years, with their rise to the top intertwining with the star defenders growing in stature.
With Gabriel Magalhaes now injured, there are questions over whether Mikel Arteta will be able to replace the Brazilian effectively.
It’s not only the defensive side that the Gunners miss from him, but Daniel Sturridge claims there’s even more missing.
- READ MORE: What Cesc Fabregas really thinks about Andrea Berta as Arsenal transfer priority explained
Daniel Sturridge explains what Arsenal miss from Gabriel Magalhaes injury
With Gabriel Magalhaes out of action, Arteta is likely to opt with Jakub Kiwior as his main centre-back option for the weeks ahead.
The Polish international is unlikely to replicate the exact skillset of his teammate, not least the two areas that Daniel Sturridge outlined.
Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, the former Liverpool striker said: “He’s [Gabriel Magalhaes] been incredible. I think over the last few seasons, the partnership he has with Saliba is very good.
“The physicality he has in that defence, I think he’s the one that brings the fear, I think Saliba is more the Rolls-Royce, the cultured one on the ball. I think Gabriel brings the fear, the tenacity, that as an attacker, you don’t like defenders like that on your heels.
“Set-pieces, he’s absolutely brilliant. So they’re missing his prowess on set-pieces and his physicality in defence.”
It’s an area that Arteta will be missing within his Arsenal team, but it remains to be seen just how costly that could be.
Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba have good synergy at Arsenal
If there is one upside to having Kiwior in the side, it will be his partnership with Saliba in the Arsenal backline.
Before the clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, when both have started together at centre-back, the Gunners haven’t lost a game.
That may help ease any concerns, with defensive units rarely depending upon individuals and more on the team and partnerships together.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
