Arsenal’s Defensive Woes Mount as Gabriel's Injury Adds to Arteta’s Nightmares

In a season where every point is paramount, Arsenal’s defensive stability took another hit with Gabriel Magalhães forced off the pitch due to a knee injury against Liverpool. Already dealing with a stretched defense, Mikel Arteta watched as Gabriel’s untimely exit further unraveled his tactical plans. This latest setback underscores the growing strain on Arsenal’s backline and raises questions about the squad's resilience in this crucial campaign stretch.

Gabriel’s injury struck at a miserable time for Arteta. Already dealing with an unconventional lineup, Arteta had pushed Thomas Partey to an unfamiliar right-back role and brought Ben White back into the central defense—familiar territory for the Englishman but one he has not regularly occupied this season. The reshuffle was designed to bolster Arsenal’s defensive structure, yet Gabriel’s sudden collapse early in the second half unraveled the carefully laid plans.

After an initial medical assessment on the field, Gabriel returned to action briefly, signaling his intent to push through the discomfort. However, the Brazilian center-back’s resilience was short-lived. Within minutes, Arteta had no choice but to replace him with Jakub Kiwior after Gabriel went down again, following a collision with Liverpool's Darwin Nunez. Replays revealed the severity of the incident, with Gabriel’s knee twisting awkwardly, aggravated by Nunez’s contact and an awkward landing.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Arsenal's mainstay in defense, William Saliba, was already absent due to suspension, which left the squad relying on a patchwork lineup against a dangerous Liverpool attack. Arteta’s immediate response was to shift Jurrien Timber, newly returned from his injury setback, to left-back. Kiwior took Gabriel’s place at the heart of the defense, paired with White—a pairing that, while capable, lacks the chemistry Arsenal fans have come to expect.

This forced adjustment not only tested Arsenal's adaptability but also underscored a lingering vulnerability in their depth—a situation that could complicate Arteta's plans in the coming weeks as he contends with key absences in one of the most challenging stretches of the season. The coming matches will reveal not only Arsenal’s tactical flexibility but also their resolve under pressure—a test Arteta surely hoped wouldn’t come quite so soon.