Arsenal grabbed three points in their return from the international break against Fulham but they have come at a cost.
Goals from Mikel Merino and the returning Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a 2-1 victory over Fulham as Martin Odegaard shared a heartfelt message for Emile Smith Rowe before the former Gunner returned.
There was no Ben White in the matchday squad and Mikel Arteta explained White’s absence before the game, claiming the defender had been struggling with a ‘niggle.’
Jurrien Timber also limped off towards the end of the match whilst Gabriel Magalhaes went off with a hamstring injury, leaving Arteta faced with a defensive crisis ahead of a crucial period.
Mikel Arteta delivered verdict on Gabriel Magalhaes
Speaking at a pre match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with PSG earlier this season, Arteta was full of praise for the performances of Gabriel this season.
Arteta stated: “He’s proved to everybody how committed he is to the team and to the club. Then obviously his performances are undeniable, that have taken him to a different level, in terms of the standards we set in the team, especially in the way that we have to defend.”
With Gabriel likely to miss the Real Madrid clash, the manager will now have to consider how to set up the team differently in the absence of his colossal centre half.
The aggression and decisiveness in Gabriel’s game means that Arsenal can be on the front foot in their defensive actions but may have to adopt a different approach in his absence.
Jakub Kiwior likely to replace Gabriel in Arsenal defence
Gabriel’s replacement against Fulham was Polish international Jakub Kiwior and the defender had a solid enough performance in the victory alongside William Saliba.
However, Kiwior is a different type of player to Gabriel and it would mean that Arsenal would have to drop deeper defensively in order to accommodate for Kiwior’s lack of pace.
Arteta has backed Kiwior to replace Gabriel but should he start in the huge quarter final clash there would be some concern over his match fitness having only appeared nine times in the league this season.
Whatever Arteta decides to do against Madrid it will mean a change of approach and a huge test for the tactical ability of Arsenal’s manager.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
