Arsenal now face a tricky spell after Gabriel Magalhães picked up an injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at the Emirates, leaving Mikel Arteta without one of his most reliable defenders for some weeks, maybe even stretching into December. The timing feels harsh, especially since Gabriel had only just been praised for his standout October performances, winning Arsenal’s Player of the Month as reported by Softfootball.
His absence doesn’t just remove a player; it unsettles the entire rhythm of a defensive line built heavily around the connection between him and William Saliba. Gabriel had been starting every Premier League match, helping Arsenal sit top of the table, and now Arteta must figure out how to reorganise things quickly. It comes right after the 2-2 draw against Sunderland.
Cristhian Mosquera seems like the first name Arteta will look at. The 21-year-old has already shown he can step in without making the team feel shaky. When he filled in for Saliba earlier in the season, especially that outing at Anfield, he looked calm enough to handle tough moments.
He’s tidy on the ball, doesn’t panic much, and understands positioning well. He doesn’t have Gabriel’s brute strength in the air, but his technical level fits smoothly into Arsenal’s build-up. That alone makes him the easiest switch.
Then there’s Piero Hincapié, the Ecuadorian defender who brings a more aggressive style that honestly feels close to Gabriel’s. His pace, the way he steps out to win duels, and how he enjoys defending on the front foot could help Arsenal keep their defensive line high without fear.
But Arteta still hasn’t used him from the start in a Premier League match. He’s featured in the Champions League and the League Cup, but a north London derby debut against Tottenham this weekend is not exactly the softest introduction. His chemistry with Saliba is also still an unknown, which might make Arteta hesitate a bit.
Arsenal shared a post on their official X account, ahead of their north London derby this weekend against Tottenham Hotspur.
View the post below
If Arteta prefers experience over anything, Ben White could shift into centre-back again. He understands the structure perfectly, and Arsenal wouldn’t lose much in terms of organisation. The problem, though, is that moving White leaves a hole at right-back, where Jurrien Timber has been in strong form and probably shouldn’t be disrupted right now.
Riccardo Calafiori is another option due to his flexibility. He can move from left-back into the middle quite naturally, but his recent hip issue with Italy raises a bit of doubt. If he moves centrally, Arsenal may need young Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, and that introduces more risk than Arteta might like.
Gabriel’s mix of physicality, leadership and consistency can’t truly be replaced, but Arsenal do have several credible ways to stay steady. Mosquera looks the smoothest fit, and Hincapié brings that aggressive energy if Arteta wants it, while White and Calafiori give flexibility when needed.
If Arsenal manage to get through the next run of games without the defence wobbling too much, it’ll say a lot about how this squad has grown, not just relying on individuals anymore, but performing as a stronger collective unit.
