Three ways Arsenal could line up without Gabriel against Tottenham after injury setback
Arsenal face a nervous wait as they investigate whether Gabriel will be fit for Sunday’s north London derby.
The centre-back injured his thigh while playing for Brazil in the 2-0 win over Senegal on Saturday and withdrew from the squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Tunisia.
Arsenal’s medical staff are expected to assess Gabriel this week to determine the extent of his injury.
He has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season and it would be a major blow if he is not fit to face Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Gabriel injured his thigh while playing for Brazil on Saturday.
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Here, Standard Sport looks at how the Gunners could line up without Gabriel…
Start Hincapie for only the third time
Gabriel’s absence would leave a huge hole in Arsenal’s defense, but Piero Hincapie could be the man to fill it.
The Ecuador international has had a troubled start to his stay in north London after arriving on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
A groin injury kept Hincapie out of action and he only started two matches for Arsenal.
But Mikel Arteta has spoken of the 23-year-old in glowing terms and described him as a ‘warrior’.
Piero Hincapie could join William Saliba
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Hincapie is capable of playing at left back, but his preferred position is center back and his idol growing up was Spanish legend Sergio Ramos.
Given that he is left-footed, Hincapie could slot in alongside William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defense and provide them with balance.
Hincapie is an aggressive, front-footed defender and, in that sense, he is the most comparable backup when it comes to covering Gabriel.
Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Wood, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Place Calafiori at the heart of the defense
Arteta may be wary of starting Hincapie on Sunday given his lack of playing time this season.
An alternative solution would be to move Riccardo Calafiori from left-back to center-back.
Calafiori has started all 11 of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season at left-back, but he can operate as a central defender.
Riccardo Calafiori could move from left back
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The 23-year-old played there early in his career and is often used by Italy in the position. He also had minutes as Arsenal’s central defender in pre-season.
If Calafiori was moved inside, it would mean one of Hincapie or Myles Lewis-Skelly would come in at left-back.
Arteta might be reluctant to do so as it would mean moving two pieces from what has been a very successful four.
Arsenal have conceded just five goals in all competitions this season and Calafiori’s performances at left-back are one of the main reasons why.
Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Wood, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Trust Mosquera again in a big match
Arteta showed just how much faith he has in Cristhian Mosquera in August when Arsenal visited Anfield.
Saliba was injured inside the first five minutes and Arteta’s response was to turn to Mosquera.
It was a big call from the Arsenal boss given the 21-year-old only moved to England this summer in a £13million deal from Valencia.
Cristhian Mosquera can play as left defender
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But Mosquera held his own against Liverpool and he has impressed every time he has been called upon this season.
The Spaniard is right-footed but is comfortable as a left-back having done so for Valencia.
Mosquera and Saliba have played together this season, starting alongside each other in September when Arsenal visited Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.
Mosquera would add pace to Arsenal’s defense and he is also comfortable on the ball.
The only downside is that he is not left-handed, unlike alternative options Calafiori and Hincapie.
Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Wood, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard