Arsenal are set to face Aston Villa on Sunday as they continue their Premier League title challenge, but they could face a problem.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes missed training on Friday, and Mikel Arteta hinted in his press conference that his squad were facing issues after Tuesday’s Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.
Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season, and has been described as “aggressive” by Declan Rice, and formed an outstanding defensive partnership with William Saliba, which Arteta will be reluctant to break up.
However, if he is unavailable on Sunday against Unai Emery’s side, Arteta does have several options he can use to replace him, which was not the case when Saliba picked up an injury in the title race last season.
There are three likely options he could turn to if Gabriel is out, with the versatility of his defensive players now proving to be useful.
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Arteta could play Jakub Kiwior in his natural position for Arsenal
Poland International Jakub Kiwior impressed at times at left-back in recent months, but did struggle as he was substituted at half-time against Bayern Munich.
Kiwior is a left-footed centre-back, but has rarely had a chance to play in his natural position because of Gabriel’s fine form. If the Brazilian is out, this will be a good chance for him to regain some confidence by moving into the centre, where he will be greeted by in-form striker Ollie Watkins.
Takehiro Tomiyasu could come in for an Arsenal start
Versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has now returned after months of injury struggles, and needs to build up some fitness as he could be a vital full-back for the final weeks of the season.
Tomiyasu plays at left centre-back for Japan, and his strong ability on both feet makes him an excellent option across the back line. If Arteta does not want to change shape too much, he could bring him in as a direct replacement for Gabriel.
Ben White could move back to the centre of defence
Ben White has excelled as a right-back in the last two seasons, having originally arrived from Brighton as a centre-back, and he would be a very capable replacement for Gabriel.
However, it has been mooted that the Aston Villa game could be one he sits out amid concerns of fatigue, to keep him fresh for Wednesday’s trip to Bayern Munich.
If Gabriel is absent though, Arteta may not want to take two key defenders out of his back four against a team as threatening as Villa, and White’s experience could be vital against Watkins.
The problem with this option, is that it may require a big reshuffle within the back line, with Saliba potentially moving to Gabriel’s side, and it would mean there are two naturally right-sided defenders in the middle, which Arteta has clearly not been keen on given the additions of Gabriel, Kiwior and Pablo Mari in the past.
Ideally, Gabriel will be ready to face Villa, and Arteta will be saved from a potential headache in what will be a crucial game in the title race.