How Arsenal could line up vs Spurs after crushing Gabriel injury blow

Arsenal are going to see at least one change for their clash against Tottenham when the Premier League returns after Gabriel Magalhae’s injury on international duty

Arsenal are without Gabriel Magalhaes for the north London derby after he suffered a devastating injury during the international break. The Brazilian defender could be ruled out until January with a thigh issue.

Gabriel has started all 11 Premier League matches for the Gunners this term. The 27-year-old has not missed a minute under Mikel Arteta with Arsenal setting the pace at the top of the division.

The Spaniard will be forced into making an alteration for the clash against Thomas Frank’s Tottenham as Arteta’s men look to bounce back from a draw with Sunderland. Arsenal are eight points ahead of their closest rivals, who currently lie in fifth place.

The Gunners boss may have a bead of sweat on his brow ahead of such an important decision. Arteta may be relieved that Andrea Berta’s summer transfer business brought in new options in Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal’s head coach is unlikely to change much from a successful system but has plenty to weigh up in personnel. Mirror Football looks at his choices.

READ MORE: Arsenal line up transfer swoop for two wonderkids including star likened to NeymarREAD MORE: Gabriel Jesus’ clear message to Mikel Arteta as Arsenal training footage emerges

Piero Hincapie

The Ecuador international arrived able to play in the centre or the left side of the defence. In many ways, Hincapie looks like a straightforward option.

But, the 23-year-old has only enjoyed two starts so far, with life at the Emirates interrupted by a groin injury. The defender’s preferred role is in the heart of defence and with his front-footed defensive nature, would offer the closest thing to a like-for-like replacement.

Cristhian Mosquera

Young star Mosquera has already shown he can hold his own against top opposition after being called upon against Liverpool. The 21-year-old has played on the left of a defensive partnership for Valencia despite being right-footed.

Mosquera has already played alongside Saliba this term too. They started together in September when Arsenal defeated Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking in September after beating Nottingham Forest, Arteta said: “It’s not easy to adapt to the league, to adapt to a new way of playing, but Mosquera is a great example.

“I think what he did against Liverpool, being thrown out there after three minutes at Anfield in your first exposure in the Premier League, is very difficult to do. I think he was superb today again.”

Riccardo Calafiori

A more surprising option could prove to be Italy star Riccardo Calafiori. The ex-Bologna star joined Arsenal in 2024 as another versatile option.

Calafiori has made the left full-back role his own this season, however, and often been positioned very high up the pitch in Arteta’s system. Myles Lewis-Skelly could perhaps take on that role if Calafiori was shifted, but you could forgive Arsenal’s boss for not wanting to change too much at once.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.