Premier League: Arsenal's Gabriel sidelined for weeks due to injury
What's the story
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that center-back Gabriel will be out for "weeks" after sustaining an injury while playing for Brazil. The 27-year-old was injured during Brazil's victory over Senegal in the international break. At a press conference on Friday, Arteta described the loss of Gabriel as a "blow," especially since he will miss Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Match implications
Gabriel's absence impacts Arsenal's upcoming matches
The absence of Gabriel comes at a critical time for Arsenal, who have three important matches in the coming week. After facing Spurs, they will host German champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday and then travel to Chelsea on November 30. Arteta said, "Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the national team. He will be out for weeks."
Injury reassessment
Arsenal to reassess Gabriel's injury next week
Arteta added that another scan will be conducted next Wednesday to get a clearer picture of Gabriel's condition. He admitted, "It's clearly a blow. It's our leader in our backline. To miss him is never a positive thing." However, he also expressed confidence in his squad, saying they have some very good options who need to step up now.
Squad adjustments
Piero Hincapie is a potential replacement for Gabriel
With Gabriel's injury, Arteta will have to fill in one of the league's best defenders during this critical period. Piero Hincapie, who was signed on Deadline Day as cover for Gabriel in the left center-back role, is a possible replacement. However, he has yet to start a Premier League game for Arsenal and four of his five appearances have been at left-back.
Other options
Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori as alternatives
Another possible replacement is Cristhian Mosquera, who could partner with William Saliba. However, the 21-year-old hasn't started in the Premier League since a win over Newcastle where he made a mistake leading to a goal. The only time he has started alongside Saliba was against League One side Port Vale. Another option is to play Riccardo Calafiori at center-back and bring in a left-back option like Hincapie or Myles Lewis-Skelly.