April 2nd 2025.
Arsenal's defender, Gabriel, is unfortunately set to miss the highly anticipated Champions League clash against Real Madrid next week. This news has sparked concern from former Arsenal player, Ian Wright, who believes Madrid will take advantage of Gabriel's absence and target his replacement, Jakub Kiwior, during the quarter-final match.
The setback for Arsenal came during their recent 2-1 victory over Fulham, where Gabriel was forced off in the first half due to a hamstring injury. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his worry over the extent of Gabriel's injury, and it seems he may not be the only defender missing from the squad. Ben White, who was not included in the matchday squad against Fulham, and Jurrien Timber, who was substituted in the second half, are also facing potential absences.
In the absence of Gabriel, Kiwior stepped in to play alongside William Saliba in the win over Fulham. He is also expected to start in the upcoming match against Everton, as Riccardo Calafiori is still recovering from a knee injury sustained during the international break. However, the real test will be when Arsenal face Madrid at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday.
For Arsenal fans looking to stay updated on their team, Metro's Football Newsletter offers personalized daily updates. By signing up and selecting Arsenal as your team, you can receive news straight to your inbox every morning.
Wright, in an interview with Premier League Productions, expressed his concerns about Arsenal's defensive strength without Gabriel. He mentioned the impact of Gabriel's presence on both ends of the field, and highlighted the need for a strong, experienced defender in such a crucial game. Wright also pointed out that Madrid will be looking for any weakness to exploit, and without Gabriel, Arsenal may be vulnerable.
Looking ahead to the Champions League quarter-final, Wright emphasized the importance of getting a positive result from the first leg against Madrid. He believes that without Gabriel, Arsenal will need all of their top players to stand a chance against the Spanish giants. Wright also acknowledged Madrid's success in the tournament and the need for Arsenal to be at their best to progress to the semi-finals.
In conclusion, Arsenal's absence of Gabriel for the upcoming match against Real Madrid has raised concerns among fans and former players. The team will have to rely on their other defenders, including Kiwior, to step up and fill the gap left by their injured teammate. And with a tough opponent like Madrid, they will need to perform at their best to secure a positive result and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
