Arsenal Explore Backline Options as Key Defender Sidelined
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil, raising doubts about his availability as the Gunners approach a crucial stretch of the Premier League season. Brazil’s football federation confirmed that the 27-year-old sustained an adductor injury during a friendly against Senegal and was sent back to Arsenal for treatment. The injury occurred just before the hour mark, with Gabriel substituted after appearing to grab his upper thigh. Further tests in London revealed a muscle issue that could keep him sidelined for several weeks, potentially ruling him out of key upcoming fixtures, including the North London derby against Tottenham. Medical experts have suggested it could be a grade-two groin injury, which typically requires three to six weeks of recovery.
Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most important players this season. He has started every Premier League game so far in 2025–26, helping the team concede just five goals in 11 matches. His defensive presence, aerial ability, and leadership have strengthened a backline that has looked more resilient and composed compared with recent seasons. Gabriel has also contributed offensively on set pieces, including scoring a late winner against Newcastle earlier this year.
If Gabriel is sidelined, Arsenal have several players who could step in, each bringing a different skill set. Cristhian Mosquera, 21, is a versatile left-sided centre-back who can also fill in elsewhere if needed. He combines physical strength and aerial dominance with composure on the ball, allowing him to contribute to Arsenal’s build-from-back style. Mosquera is quick and mobile, capable of covering space, stepping into midfield, or shifting wide when necessary. He was widely regarded as one of the bargains of the summer transfer window and also has experience stepping into big roles; when William Saliba was sidelined earlier this season, Mosquera filled in and performed very well, showing he can handle the pressure of starting in important matches.
Piero Hincapié, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, is another option for Mikel Arteta. The Ecuadorian provides aggression, speed, and a high work rate. He excels in one-on-one duels, is tactically flexible across the backline, and can carry the ball forward to initiate attacks. Hincapié’s left-footedness gives balance to the defense, while his stamina and recovery speed make him well-suited to Arteta’s high-press system. He has top-end pace that allows him to recover and track attackers behind the defensive line, and his high-intensity defending makes him effective in pressing opponents and closing space. Hincapié is also strong in aerial duels despite not being the tallest defender, and his progressive passing and ball-carrying help Arsenal transition quickly from defense to attack.
Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian defender signed during the 2024 transfer window, has proven he can play left-sided centre-back very effectively, as he did at Bologna and for the Italy national team, even though he has been playing left-back for Arsenal. He is strong in the air, proficient at carrying the ball out of defense, and capable of making progressive passes that break opposition lines. Calafiori is highly composed on the ball and has a passing range that allows Arsenal to build attacks from deep positions. He reads the game well, makes timely interceptions, and maintains a high work rate, helping him recover defensively and contribute offensively when needed. His left-footedness provides balance to the backline, while his energy, mentality, and anticipation make him a reliable option to step into a starting role in Gabriel’s absence.
The injury represents both a test and an opportunity for Arsenal. Losing a defensive cornerstone like Gabriel could disrupt the team’s rhythm, but the depth and diversity of these three players give manager Mikel Arteta options. Mosquera’s composure, prior experience filling in, and status as one of the summer’s best bargains, Hincapié’s intensity, pace, and ball-carrying ability, and Calafiori’s technical skill, tactical intelligence, and defensive awareness offer different solutions depending on tactical needs. How quickly Gabriel recovers will determine whether Arsenal can maintain their defensive form as they contend for the Premier League title and other competitions.
