Three Arsenal line-up options without Gabriel for Tottenham derby

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Gabriel Magalhães after the defender suffered a thigh injury while on duty with Brazil. The centre-back played in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Senegal but withdrew from the squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Tunisia, prompting concern just days before the north London derby at Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s staff will assess the 26-year-old this week to determine the severity of the issue. Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season, anchoring a defence that has conceded just five goals across all competitions. Losing him ahead of a match of this magnitude would force a defensive reshuffle — and perhaps a brave selection call from Arteta.

With Spurs arriving on Sunday in strong attacking form, FootballPlace assesses three realistic ways Arsenal could set up without their defensive enforcer.

If Arteta wants the closest like-for-like replacement, Piero Hincapie is the natural option. The Ecuador international arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but has endured a disrupted start, featuring only twice due to a groin issue.

Arteta has repeatedly praised the 23-year-old’s mentality, calling him a “warrior”, and Hincapie’s front-foot defending mirrors many of Gabriel’s qualities. Left-footed, aggressive and comfortable stepping into challenges, he provides the same structural balance when paired with William Saliba.

The main concern is match sharpness: throwing him into a high-intensity derby without regular minutes carries risk. But stylistically, Hincapie is the cleanest solution.

Possible XI (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

If Arteta prioritises continuity and experience, moving Riccardo Calafiori centrally is a strong alternative. The Italian has been outstanding at left-back, starting all 11 Premier League matches, but he is equally capable at centre-back — a position he has played for Italy and during pre-season under Arteta.

Shifting Calafiori inside would keep Arsenal’s build-up patterns intact but require someone else to step in at left-back. That likely means Hincapie or academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly starting wide. This, however, alters two parts of a back four that has been exceptional this season.

Arteta is typically cautious about changing too much before big fixtures, but Calafiori’s intelligence and comfort in central areas make this option viable.

Possible XI (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

Arteta has already shown faith in Cristhian Mosquera, handing him responsibility away at Anfield in August after Saliba went off early. The £13m summer signing from Valencia impressed that day, showing composure, physicality and a calmness in possession beyond his 21 years.

Mosquera has experience playing as a left-sided centre-back for Valencia despite being right-footed. He also partnered Saliba in September’s Carabao Cup win at Port Vale. His pace and ability to defend big spaces could be crucial against Tottenham’s rapid forwards.

The drawback is the lack of natural left-footed balance, something Arteta typically values. Even so, Mosquera has done enough to show he can be trusted in high-pressure moments.

Possible XI (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

In our view, the decision will come down to risk versus rhythm. If Arsenal want to maintain left-footed balance and defensive structure, Hincapie is the best tactical fit — but he lacks minutes. If Arteta wants reliability and in-game chemistry, Calafiori moving centrally offers familiarity but disrupts two positions instead of one. Mosquera, meanwhile, is the bold option: form, confidence and athleticism all work in his favour, but the lack of left-footed symmetry alters Arsenal’s usual build-up.
We believe Arteta may lean towards minimal disruption, making Hincapie the slight favourite provided he proves fully fit in training.

Gabriel will undergo tests at London Colney across the next 48 hours. Arteta is expected to provide a full update in his Friday pre-match press conference. Should the Brazilian miss out, Arsenal will need their defensive reshuffle to hold firm against Tottenham’s aggressive, fluid attack.

👉 Arsenal fans — which solution would YOU choose if Gabriel isn’t fit for Sunday?