How Arsenal can play without Gabriel as injury problems continue

As Gabriel limped across the pitch, heading through the Emirates Stadium tunnel, Mikel Arteta must have wondered what he had done to Lady Luck to deserve this.

Gabriel went down early in the second half of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool and had to leave the field after attempting to continue play.

The defender spent the remainder of the game with ice on his knee and will be assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff in the coming days.

Jakub Kivior

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Jakub Kivior leaves with Riccardo Calafiori

If Gabriel drops out, his replacement will be summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian has predominantly played for Arsenal as a left-back, but can also play in central defence.

Calafiori, however, is out with a knee injury and so Jakub Kivior, who came on for Gabriel against Liverpool, will be next in line.

The Poland international was signed by Arsenal in January 2023 as Gabriel’s back-up, but spent the majority of his Arsenal career as a left-back.

Ben White and Thomas Partey on the right

However, Arteta may look for another solution given the way Arsenal performed during the draw with Liverpool.

Thomas Partey excelled at right-back, having been moved there as Ben White moved to centre-back due to William Saliba’s suspension.

Thomas Partey and Ben White impress against Liverpool

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Partey was a contender for man of the match, winning more tackles than any other Arsenal player and silencing Luis Diaz.

Next to him, White looked right at home in central defence, despite having spent the last two seasons at full-back.

White even set up Arsenal’s first goal, lobbing a brilliant ball over the top of the pitch which Bukayo Saka latched on to score.

If Gabriel joins Calafiori on the side, Arteta may decide to keep the right side of defense intact.

William Saliba served his suspension

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William Saliba approaches Jurrien Timber.

Saliba could be moved to the left-centre position, where he played for France at Euro 2024. The 23-year-old impressed at the time and was included in the team of the tournament.

Jurrien Timber, who was also forced off against Liverpool, could then line up at left-back to complete the defence.

It’s unlikely that Arteta would dream of a back four in the summer, but it is necessary. If Gabriel is ruled out, he will become the seventh Arsenal defender to be injured this season.