Mikel Arteta is facing an untimely headache over Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Brazilian centre-back, a mainstay of Arsenal’s defence this season, is a serious doubt after picking up an issue in midweek.
Magalhães scored in the win over Atlético Madrid but was forced off soon after. His potential absence would punch a hole in a backline that has underpinned Arsenal’s push at the top of the table.
Arteta’s update on Gabriel Magalhaes leaves Arsenal waiting
Arteta kept his cards close in his pre-match press conference. “Not much, obviously big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue, and he hasn’t been able to train yet, so let’s see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he’s available or not for the weekend,” he said.
The message is clear: assessment will run right up to the game. Arsenal will decide based on how the defender responds to treatment over the next day.
What it means for Arsenal’s defence
Gabriel’s leadership and aggression have framed Arsenal’s defensive standards. He sets the line, attacks first balls, and brings calm in duels. Losing him, even for one match, would disrupt rehearsed partnerships and set-piece routines.
Arteta has leaned on the Brazilian to anchor a unit that has embraced control without the ball. The risk now is rhythm. A late call can unsettle preparation, and replacing an organiser is rarely seamless.
Arsenal’s position at the top
Arsenal enter the weekend three points clear of Manchester City. Their surge has been built on balance: disciplined defending matched by measured attacking play. The numbers tell the story. Arteta’s side have conceded only three goals in all competitions so far.
That record sits among the best in Europe, and Gabriel has been central to it. The task against Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace will be to keep that edge, sustain pressure, and protect the area where he usually dominates.
Who could step in on Sunday
If Gabriel Magalhaes is not passed fit, Mikel Arteta has cover. Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera could come in to plug the gap, offering fresh legs and height. Another option is Piero Hincapié, whose versatility gives Arsenal different angles on the left side of defence.
Both are ready-made solutions for a one-game patch. Neither replicates Gabriel’s leadership, but each can slot into the structure and keep build-up patterns intact.
Arsenal’s wider aim does not change. The Gunners want to extend their lead at the summit and maintain momentum. Confidence in the camp is high after the midweek win, and the group has managed tight turnarounds well this season.
What matters next is clarity. If Gabriel trains and feels no reaction, he plays. If not, Arteta must lean on depth and keep standards high. Either way, the focus is simple: handle Crystal Palace, preserve the defensive platform, and stretch the advantage at the top. An unbeaten run against London rivals is on the line, and the margin for error is small.
