Arsenal’s Gabriel Injury Crisis: Who Should Mikel Arteta Turn To as Replacement in Crucial Period?

Arsenal face a defensive dilemma that could define their season. With Gabriel potentially sidelined for the remainder of 2025 and a brutal fixture schedule ahead, Mikel Arteta must navigate one of the most challenging periods of his managerial tenure at the Emirates. The Brazilian centre-back’s absence comes at the worst possible time – the start of a grueling stretch that sees Arsenal play 14 games across just eight weeks.

Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, excelling in both defensive and attacking situations. His loss represents a significant blow to a team with genuine title ambitions. However, Arsenal’s summer transfer activity may have anticipated precisely this scenario, providing Mikel Arteta with multiple potential solutions to fill the void left by their star defender.

The Gabriel Situation: Uncertainty and Concern

Arsenal are still awaiting definitive clarity on Gabriel’s prognosis, but the early signs are worrying. There are genuine concerns he may face a fight to play again in 2025 – a devastating prospect for both player and club given his exceptional form this season and the critical nature of the upcoming fixtures.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Arsenal. At the start of a period in which Arsenal play 14 games across eight weeks, his absence is a big blow. The Brazilian has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season – in both boxes. His defensive solidity has been complemented by crucial goal contributions at set pieces, making him irreplaceable in the truest sense.

Yet Mikel Arteta must find answers. Arsenal have invested heavily in squad depth precisely for moments like these, and the manager now has several options to consider as Gabriel’s replacement.

Option 1: Piero Hincapie – The £45.9 Million Insurance Policy

The signing of Piero Hincapie was the subject of considerable internal debate at Arsenal. Financial concerns clashed with sporting necessity, creating tension within the club’s decision-making structure.

Some considered it a deal too far — a financial commitment that could have significant future ramifications. The cautious voices questioned whether Arsenal could justify such an outlay on what was essentially squad depth, particularly given the club’s need to balance the books and comply with financial regulations.

Others felt it was a necessity. With Jakub Kiwior eager to join Porto, another high-quality defensive option was required. The departures and injuries that had plagued Arsenal’s previous season made the case for defensive reinforcements impossible to ignore.

After an injury-ravaged season in 2024-25, Mikel Arteta was in no mood to take chances. Arsenal moved for Bayer Leverkusen’s 24-year-old Hincapie — initially a loan, it will become permanent next summer for a fee of €52million (£45.9m, $60m) plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Hincapie: The Right Man at the Right Time?

It’s a pricey insurance policy — but one Arteta will currently be relieved he has taken out. The finances, for now at least, are not his problem. With the news that centre-half Gabriel is expected to spend a period on the sidelines, Hincapie is needed.

Arsenal worked hard to get him up to sharpness before the international break, with substitute appearances against Crystal Palace and Burnley sandwiched between starts against Brighton and Slavia Prague. This carefully managed integration suggests Mikel Arteta had been building toward precisely this moment, ensuring Hincapie would be ready when called upon.

A further two games for Ecuador during the break will have helped him get up to speed. The international experience provides invaluable match fitness precisely when Arsenal need it most.

Piero Hincapie Profile	Details
Age	24 years old
Previous Club	Bayer Leverkusen
Transfer Type	Loan (becomes permanent next summer)
Permanent Fee	€52m (£45.9m, $60m) + 10% sell-on clause
Recent Appearances	Crystal Palace (sub), Brighton (start), Burnley (sub), Slavia Prague (start)
International Games (break)	2 games for Ecuador

What Hincapie Brings to Arsenal

Hincapie is a different player to Gabriel, but he brings intensity, aggression and considerable experience. His playing style may differ from the Brazilian’s, but these qualities make him a worthy replacement rather than a poor imitation.

Crucially, he also has leadership qualities — he has worn the armband for his country on several occasions. This leadership experience could prove invaluable for Arsenal during a period when they need stability and organizational quality at the back.

Perhaps this is Hincapie’s time. After weeks of careful integration and preparation, the stage may finally be set for the Ecuadorian to demonstrate why Arsenal were willing to commit such significant resources to securing his services.

Option 2: Cristhian Mosquera – The Versatile Summer Addition

Arsenal could draft in Cristhian Mosquera. The 21-year-old summer signing from Valencia has performed admirably whenever called upon. His performances in limited opportunities have impressed Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff, suggesting he has the quality to step up when required.

He has the physical presence and technical ability to help make up for Gabriel’s absence. At just 21, Mosquera represents Arsenal’s future while potentially solving their present crisis.

The Positional Caveat

However, there’s a significant tactical consideration that may limit Mosquera’s suitability. Mosquera is typically a right-sided defender, though — and Arteta tends to prefer the balance of one right-footer and one left.

This preference for balanced partnerships has been a consistent feature of Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach at Arsenal. Deploying Mosquera alongside the right-footed William Saliba would create an unbalanced central defensive pairing that might compromise Arsenal’s build-up play and defensive organization.

Option 3: Riccardo Calafiori – The Versatile Italian

Another alternative could be Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian international plays at centre-back for his country, and was also used there during pre-season as Gabriel recuperated from hamstring surgery. His international pedigree and pre-season experience in the position make him a natural candidate.

The Fitness Concerns

However, Calafiori presents his own complications. Calafiori has some fitness concerns of his own to contend with, having been left out of Italy’s two internationals during the international break. His absence from international duty raised questions about his availability for Arsenal’s crucial upcoming fixtures.

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso addressed the situation publicly: “Calafiori left the training camp,” Gattuso told a pre-match press conference on Saturday, in quotes carried by Sky Sports Italia. “We tried Calafiori, he had a few issues. I thank him for his commitment: he stayed here for a week, he could have played perhaps, but it wouldn’t have been fair to him or Arsenal.”

Load Management Rather Than Injury

Sources close to Calafiori, who have asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, say his absence is due to load management rather than a specific injury. This distinction is crucial for Arsenal’s planning. Given that, Arsenal are hopeful he should be available for them.

If fit, Calafiori represents a genuinely compelling option. Naturally, he is an option at centre-half. Although 23-year-old Calafiori has been in excellent form at left-back, Arsenal have plenty of depth in that position with the alternative options of Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Tactical Shuffle

Arteta could shift Calafiori infield next to William Saliba. This move would solve the Gabriel absence while maintaining the left-footed/right-footed balance that Mikel Arteta values.

However, the complication is clear: That would, however, mean two changes to Arsenal’s first-choice back four rather than one. Calafiori has started all 11 of Arsenal’s Premier League games at left-back. His consistency and excellence in that position have been crucial to Arsenal’s defensive solidity.

For consistency’s sake, Arteta may be inclined to keep him there. Minimizing disruption to a functioning defensive unit might outweigh the benefit of deploying Calafiori in his international position.

Arsenal look to be building a left flank to rival the variety of their right – signing Hincapie offers further competition and options. The tactical flexibility this provides gives Mikel Arteta genuine choices rather than forcing compromises.

The Knock-On Benefits: Opportunities for Others

Other defenders will likely benefit from Gabriel’s absence. The defensive reshuffle necessitated by the Brazilian’s injury will create opportunities throughout Arsenal’s backline.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s World Cup Ambitions

Thomas Tuchel has suggested Lewis-Skelly needs more game time to earn a place in his World Cup squad. The England manager’s public comments have put pressure on Arsenal to provide the young left-back with opportunities.

With one of Calafiori or Hincapie potentially repurposed as a centre-half, there should be more opportunities available at left-back. Lewis-Skelly’s pathway to regular minutes has suddenly opened up precisely when he needs it most for his international ambitions.

Ben White’s Elevated Role

Ben White is another who could move up the pecking order as a consequence of this defensive reshuffle. The versatile defender’s ability to cover multiple positions makes him invaluable during periods of squad disruption.

The Bigger Picture: Arsenal’s Injury Crisis

The loss of Gabriel would be a challenge for Arsenal to overcome were it in isolation. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, the defensive crisis exists within a broader context of squad unavailability.

As it is, Arsenal are also contending with a number of attacking absences. The scale of Arsenal’s injury problems extends far beyond defense, creating compounding selection headaches for the manager.

The Attacking Injury List

For the draw against Sunderland before the break, Arteta was without Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus. Six key attacking players simultaneously unavailable represents a crisis that would challenge any manager.

Arsenal hope to welcome all six attacking players back into their squad over the coming weeks. However, the timeline for these returns remains uncertain.

The North London Derby Doubt

At present, it’s unclear which of those players could be available for the visit of Tottenham on Sunday. The timing of the north London derby makes team selection particularly challenging.

Arsenal may have to be patient as they wait for the attacking reinforcements to return. The club’s medical staff are working to accelerate recoveries without risking further setbacks.

Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres, 27, had set the north London derby as a potential return target, but faces a battle to be ready. The Swedish striker’s determination to return for such a significant fixture is understandable.

He is pushing to return as soon as possible, but Spurs may come too soon. Arsenal won’t risk long-term damage for short-term gain, meaning caution will likely prevail.

Kai Havertz

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has alluded to a setback for Havertz, but Arsenal are not overly concerned and consider the forward to be making good progress towards his return. The club’s medical assessment differs from the public impression created by international comments.

The Others

The status of Odegaard, Martinelli and Madueke remains unclear. Arsenal are providing minimal public information about these cases, preferring to assess progress privately.

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has trained with the group throughout the international break, and could be considered for a return to the first-team squad. His participation in full training represents positive progress.

After such a lengthy absence, however, it is likely Arsenal will look to build up his involvement over time. Rushing him back could risk re-injury and prolong his absence further.

The Verdict: Arsenal’s Depth Will Be Tested

Dealing with injury absences is nothing new for Arteta. The Arsenal manager has navigated squad crises throughout his tenure, developing expertise in squad rotation and tactical adaptation.

At least when it comes to the defence, Arsenal’s summer business ensures there are a variety of options at his disposal. The club’s investment in defensive depth – particularly the Hincapie signing that provoked internal debate – now appears prescient.

Arsenal have a deeper squad than ever before. Hincapie is just one of a number of potential solutions. This depth represents the culmination of years of squad building and strategic recruitment.

The most likely scenario sees Piero Hincapie deputize for Gabriel, with Riccardo Calafiori remaining at left-back where he has excelled. This approach minimizes disruption while deploying a proven replacement who brings similar qualities to the absent Brazilian.

However, Mikel Arteta’s tactical flexibility means alternative solutions remain viable. Cristhian Mosquera could feature if Arteta accepts the positional imbalance, while Calafiori could shift inside if maintaining left-footed presence becomes the priority.

With 14 games across eight weeks ahead, Arsenal will likely need to use all their defensive options at various points. The challenge isn’t just replacing Gabriel for one match – it’s managing his absence across a season-defining period while simultaneously integrating returning attacking players.

Mikel Arteta’s squad management skills will face their sternest test yet. Arsenal’s season may ultimately be defined not by their best eleven, but by how effectively they navigate this period of crisis with their alternatives.

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