Mikel Arteta confronts a significant selection headache ahead of Sunday’s North London derby, with key defender Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for an extended period due to a thigh injury sustained on international duty.
The Brazilian center-back has been instrumental in Arsenal’s formidable start to the campaign, contributing significantly at both ends of the pitch. His absence presents a substantial challenge, as he has been the only Arsenal outfielder to feature in every minute of Premier League action this season.
Gabriel’s influence extends beyond conventional defensive metrics. He leads the league in blocks and dominates Arsenal’s rankings for aerial duels and clearances. Crucially, his threat in the opposition box has yielded two goals and three assists this season, continuing a trend that has seen him score 18 times from set-pieces since his arrival—more than any other Premier League player in that period.
Statistical analysis underscores his importance: Arsenal’s win rate drops from over 64% to 40% in Premier League matches without him, with points per game falling from 2.1 to 1.5.
Arteta now faces a tactical conundrum regarding Gabriel’s replacement. Several options present themselves, each with different characteristics.
Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera impressed during earlier appearances when William Saliba was unavailable and could be shifted to the left side of central defense. Alternatively, loan acquisition Piero Hincapié offers another possibility, having performed well in central defense during cup appearances despite primarily featuring at left-back.
Regular left-back Riccardo Calafiori represents a third option, given his experience in central defense for Italy, though his availability remains uncertain due to a hip problem.
Arteta referenced last season’s experience coping without Gabriel during a crucial three-month period, noting his squad’s ability to remain “super competitive” despite the absence. The manager has consciously built a squad designed to withstand such setbacks, with balanced left and right-footed options across defensive positions.
As Arsenal prepare to face Tottenham, the solution Arteta chooses to implement could prove pivotal in maintaining their early-season momentum and title aspirations.
