The news that centre back Gabriel Magalhaes will be out some weeks after playing with Brazil has marred the preparations of the upcoming North London derby by Arsenal. The development was confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta on Friday, which is a significant upset to the defensive structure of the leaders of the Premier League.
Gabriel is a player who has played the most games with Arsenal and has been a key player since the start of the season as he has contributed to a formidable defensive duo alongside William Saliba. Their collaboration has played the key role in Arsenal league leading defensive score, having only conceded five goals in 11 fixtures in the premier leagues. Gunners, with four points above Manchester City, are in the top of the table.
Arteta termed the injury as a blow not only performance but also leadership. It is our leader behind, he said. To miss him is never a good thing.
The derby match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday can be regarded as one of the most challenging games that Arsenal has per season. The time of injury compels Arteta to reevaluate his defensive possibilities right away. Luckily enough, summer recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie provide able replacements, although neither of them has as much experience in high-pressure situations in the Premier League as Gabriel does.
Gabriel is not the only problem of defense at Arsenal. Another important squad member by the name Riccardo Calafiori has not been training since opting out of the national team of Italy because of a hip problem. Arteta did not make any assurances of the 23-year-old being ready.
