David Ornstein: Arsenal star set to be sidelined in major injury blow | OneFootball

Gabriel’s Injury: A Major Setback for Arsenal’s Defensive Line

Arsenal fans are facing a fresh challenge in their defensive ranks following news of Gabriel’s muscle injury, as revealed by David Ornstein for The Athletic. The Brazilian centre-back, who has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s backline, is now set to miss between one and two months after picking up a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil. This injury is a blow for both Arsenal’s domestic and European ambitions, as Gabriel has played every minute of their Premier League campaign and started all four Champions League fixtures.

What Happened to Gabriel?

The injury occurred during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal, played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Gabriel, who had been a dominant force at the heart of the defence, was substituted in the 65th minute after receiving treatment on the pitch for a few minutes. He walked off visibly in pain, holding his right leg, and shortly after, Brazil confirmed he had withdrawn from the squad ahead of their upcoming friendly against Tunisia.

Sources close to the situation have indicated that Gabriel will undergo further tests to determine the full extent of the injury, but the initial prognosis suggests he will be out for around one to two months. Arsenal fans are already nervously anticipating his absence during a critical period of the season, with the team facing a hectic schedule of 14 games in the next eight weeks.

Arsenal’s Defensive Depth: Can They Cope Without Gabriel?

The loss of Gabriel is undoubtedly a blow, but it is not an insurmountable one. Arsenal’s defensive depth has improved significantly in recent seasons, and this will be tested in the coming weeks. Gabriel’s partner, William Saliba, has been in superb form, and while Arteta will need to find a suitable replacement for Gabriel, he has options.

One potential solution could be to bring in Cristhian Mosquera, who has impressed when deputising for Saliba earlier in the season. Though naturally right-footed, Mosquera has the technical ability to slot into a central defensive partnership. However, with a need to balance right- and left-footed centre-backs, Arteta might consider turning to Piero Hincapie, the on-loan Ecuador international. Hincapie’s solid performances this season make him a strong candidate for a starting spot in Gabriel’s absence.

The Busy Schedule Ahead for Arsenal

Arsenal’s schedule is not light, with a series of important fixtures on the horizon. In the next month, they face local rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the Premier League, alongside a crucial Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. Having Gabriel missing from these matches will require Arteta to adapt his defensive options, but with the team’s improved squad depth, there is hope that they can weather the storm.

Arsenal’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite the setback, there is a sense of optimism within the club. Gabriel’s leadership and quality will be missed, but Arsenal’s strength in depth is greater than it has been in previous seasons. Arteta will need to make the right decisions to ensure that Gabriel’s absence does not derail the team’s momentum. The upcoming period will test Arsenal’s squad cohesion and adaptability, and with the right approach, they can continue to push for success on multiple fronts.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal fan, it’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration when hearing about Gabriel’s injury. He’s been so pivotal to Arsenal’s defensive solidity this season, and the thought of him being sidelined for one to two months is worrying. The fixture congestion in the coming weeks only heightens the concern. Not only are there Premier League clashes with Tottenham and Chelsea, but there’s the looming Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich. Gabriel’s leadership and his ability to dominate both boxes will be sorely missed.

That said, the hope lies in the strength of the squad Arteta has built. Cristhian Mosquera has shown promise when stepping in for William Saliba, and though the Ecuadorian may not have the same experience as Gabriel, he’s a talented defender. I do have concerns, though, about whether Hincapie will be able to adapt to the left-sided centre-back role. It’s a big ask to throw him in for such high-pressure games, especially in a season where Arsenal can’t afford to drop points.

While Arsenal’s depth has undoubtedly improved, it feels like a critical test for Arteta. Can he maintain the team’s momentum without one of their most consistent performers this season? The next few weeks could make or break their campaign, and Arsenal fans will be hoping that the manager can find a solution that ensures the defensive frailties of the past don’t rear their head again.