Arsenal host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates next week.
The Gunners are 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, and thus, Europe’s elite competition takes on extra importance.
Mikel Arteta has been handed a damaging blow ahead of the showdown with Los Blancos, as Gabriel Magalhaes limped off with a hamstring injury against Fulham on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian isn’t expected to be fit to face Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Emirates, meaning Arteta may be forced to call upon Jakub Kiwior against the Spanish giants.
With the Pole looking uneasy defensively against Fulham and not playing much football, here are two alternatives to him that Arteta must consider.
Ben White could start over Jakub Kiwior with Jurrien Timber at centre-back
Jurrien Timber was also forced off with an injury against Fulham, although the Dutchman was able to play on after an earlier knock and it’s still very possible that he’ll be fit to face Real Madrid.
If he is, then Arteta should contemplate using the former Ajax man a left-centre-back in Gabriel’s place.
Having played at left-back several times throughout the season, he’s used to being deployed on the left side of the pitch and is accustomed to receiving the ball in those areas.
Boasting exceptional recovery pace and impressive one-on-one capabilities, Timber should be able to deal with the elusive Kylian Mbappe in most aspects of the game.
Meanwhile, Ben White would then be able to slot in at right-back.
The Englishman hasn’t had the volume of minutes you’d hope for in preparation for a game against Real Madrid, but he could give Arsenal an offensive lease of life with some of his overlapping runs.
Defensively, White has expressed concern about playing against Vinicius Junior in the past, but Arteta might be left with no choice.
As long as he’s fit, the ex-Brighton man can at least somewhat negate the Brazilian winger.
Mikel Arteta could use Kieran Tierney as a centre-back against Real Madrid
If either Timber or White aren’t passed fit, then Arteta has a real issue on his hands, although there are still multiple options on offer.
Thomas Partey could be used at right-back, although the Ghanaian isolated against Vinicius in space is a scary thought for Arsenal fans.
Declan Rice could be moved to centre-back, although the England international would be too great a miss in midfield to make this sacrifice.
Instead, Arteta could opt for a rogue option and use Kieran Tierney at centre-back.
The Scotsman has played on the left of a back three in the past, and he could be more suited to this role than playing as a marauding full-back, with the physical toll injuries may have had on him.
Astute defensively, playing against Mbappe would be a tough task, but he has the ability to be a better defensive option than Kiwior.
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