International breaks are often hazards for trophy-chasing teams, so Arsenal supporters everywhere would’ve winced at the sight of Gabriel Magalhaes hobbling out of Brazil’s friendly with Switzerland on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was withdrawn from the game at the Emirates Stadium with an apparent groin problem, and his international manager Carlo Ancelotti said the player would be assessed on Sunday.
“He had an injury in his adductor,” said Ancelotti after the 2-0 win on Saturday. “The medical staff has to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When a player has an injury, you hope they can recover well and soon.”
Arsenal will be hopeful of Gabriel recovering quickly, with the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur a week away. But manager Mikel Arteta will have to consider some alternatives in the meantime. Here are a few different ways he could go with his selection should the talismanic Brazilian be sidelined.
Cristhian MosqueraIf Arteta wants to cause the least amount of disruption to his XI, then Cristhian Mosquera could be the best option to replace Gabriel.
The summer signing came into the side earlier in the season when William Saliba was injured and performed well alongside the Brazilian. If he were to come into the team this time, he would have to line up on the left of the centre-back partnership, but he has shown enough to suggest he would be able to adapt.
Arteta may have some concerns over the 23-year-old’s lack of experience, especially in a game as feisty as the north London derby. But Mosquera acquitted himself well earlier in the season at Anfield against Liverpool.
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Trossard, Eze, Saka; Gyokeres
Piero HincapieIf Arteta wants a left-footed centre-back to step in for Gabriel, he could turn to another summer signing in Piero Hincapie.
The 23-year-old may lack Gabriel’s aggression and aerial dominance, but he is a cultured passer and would help maintain balance at the back in the team’s build-up play.
The Ecuadorian was superb at Bayer Leverkusen before making the switch to the Emirates Stadium, although he is yet to start a Premier League game for the Gunners. While he has done well in the Champions League and League Cup so far this season, it would be a surprise if his first top-flight start were to come in this fixture.
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Trossard, Eze, Saka; Gyokeres
Jurrien TimberGiven Arsenal have so many versatile defenders, there is scope for Arteta to make a few tweaks at the back to compensate for Gabriel’s potential absence.
Another option is to bring Jurrien Timber infield from right-back to play at centre-back. The Dutchman is comfortable in any defensive position and has been in exceptional form so far this season.
While he would no doubt perform well in the role, shifting him centrally would leave a void at full-back that could be tricky to fill. Ben White could deputise, although he has been used sparingly this season given Timber’s superb performances.
Raya; White, Saliba, Timber, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Trossard, Eze, Saka; Gyokeres
Riccardo CalafioriFor Timber, see Calafiori. Capable of playing as a left-back or a centre-back, the Italian would have no problem moving infield.
In Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arteta does have an alternative to come in at left-back. The youngster has found minutes hard to come by this season after a breakthrough campaign last year, so he’d be itching for the chance to get more game time.
Perhaps the biggest issue for Calafiori is his own fitness. The 23-year-old has withdrawn from the Italy squad with a hip problem, meaning he too is a doubt for the derby.
“He tried, and we thank him for the professionalism, desire, and dedication he’s shown, which is good for us as a group,” Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso said of the Arsenal star. “We could have made him grit his teeth, but that’s not fair because he’ll have matches every three or four days.”
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice; Trossard, Eze, Saka; Gyokeres
