LONDON — It`s proving to be a challenging season for Arsenal. Just as Bukayo Saka brought renewed optimism to the Emirates, injury concerns have emerged in defense ahead of their crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid.
First, Gabriel Magalhaes. Arsenal`s consistently reliable defender, rarely sidelined since September 2021, appeared to face a minor threat. While Adama Traore possesses speed, Gabriel has effectively managed numerous dangerous attackers on Arsenal`s left flank. Usually, this wouldn`t be a major issue for him. However, unfortunately for Gabriel, Mikel Arteta, and everyone associated with Arsenal, this seems to be an exception. Gabriel`s reaction, pulling at his shirt, suggested the injury is serious.
With Real Madrid`s visit to the Emirates Stadium just a week away (Tuesday), the potential loss of arguably Arsenal`s most consistent player this season is a significant blow, overshadowing their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham. Gabriel is the player you`d want defending against Antonio Rudiger during set pieces, protecting the penalty area`s left side from Rodrygo, and a prime target for crosses from Declan Rice and Saka.
This season has seen Gabriel elevate his status from a fan favorite to one of the top center-backs in the game. Arteta has successfully channeled Gabriel`s aggression, developing him into a formidable defender.
Losing Gabriel would be a significant setback for Arsenal. Compounding their woes, Jurrien Timber, after recovering from a long-term ACL injury, has also been impressive in his second season. He`s even challenged Ben White`s place in the team. Timber`s defensive qualities would be vital against Vinicius Junior on the right flank, and he could also have filled in for Gabriel at center back. However, he injured his knee while blocking a shot from Raul Jimenez, playing for another hour before his energy gave out.
Both players will undergo assessments tomorrow. It`s clear that losing one, let alone both, would severely impact Arsenal.
`We don`t know their condition yet,` Arteta acknowledged. `If there are two players in this squad who are reluctant to be substituted, it`s probably these two. Gabi felt discomfort in his hamstring; we need to determine the extent of it.`
`Regarding Jurrien, he was already experiencing discomfort early in the match but continued playing. Eventually, he couldn`t continue.`
A strong defense is crucial in the Champions League, and Arsenal`s defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has been key to their solidity, potentially capable of containing the threats of Mbappe and Vinicius.
When Gabriel, Timber, and Saliba have played together in the Premier League and Champions League this season, Arsenal have conceded 24 goals in 30 matches, with an expected goals against (xG) of 0.81. Their xG difference of 0.77 is impressive for a team not known for its attacking prowess.
Looking at a broader sample, in the 45 European and Premier League games Arsenal has played without Gabriel since the 2020-21 season, they have conceded 1.1 xG per game, compared to 0.99 with him, indicating a significant difference.
These are small margins that can decide crucial matches in major competitions.
The available alternatives are uncertain. Arteta`s timeframe of `weeks` for Riccardo Calafiori`s return from a knee injury suggests he`s highly unlikely to be available for the first leg, and possibly the second leg as well. Ben White is also recovering from a knee issue and has limited playing time since surgery. Takehiro Tomiyasu`s return remains distant.
`The positive aspect is that we`ve faced this throughout the season,` Arteta commented. `Consider Martinelli`s three-month absence, Bukayo and Kai for four months each, and Gabi Jesus for almost the entire season. It`s remarkable how we`ve maintained our position despite these injuries. Ben White hasn`t played much this season either. We are determined to give it our best and are excited for the upcoming week.`
Few defenders remain fully fit. Myles Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old midfielder playing at left-back, continues to exceed expectations. Even with a deflection leading to a late goal for Rodrigo Muniz, Saliba appeared unfazed amidst the defensive changes.
Jakub Kiwior is a capable replacement when playing alongside Saliba consistently. However, he hasn`t had regular starts since December and seemed uncomfortable against Sander Berge and Traore.
`Jakub`s strength is his reliability,` Arteta noted, focusing on the positives from the first 74 minutes. `He`s always available when needed, fulfilling his role whether at left-center-back, right-center-back, or left fullback. He`s ready, always positive, and although concerned for Gabi, he`s eager to play and will perform well.`
The narrative of the evening could have been different, with positive takeaways. Martinelli delivered perhaps his best performance of the season, outplaying Timothy Castagne. If Real Madrid has a weakness, it might be their right flank, potentially defended by Lucas Vazquez or a repurposed Federico Valverde against Raul Asencio. Martinelli appears ready to exploit this.
His backheel pass from a Merino cross set up Saka`s return goal at the back post, seven minutes after Saka replaced Ethan Nwaneri. The Emirates Stadium erupted with a reaction not seen since Rice`s late goal against Manchester United.
With Saka`s return and Martinelli`s improved form, this could have been ideal preparation for the crucial Champions League game. However, typical of Arsenal`s 2024-25 season, it wasn`t straightforward. Instead of celebrating a star`s return ahead of a major Champions League fixture, the focus has shifted to the potential loss of two key defenders.
