Arsenal face ultimate title test to ensure history not repeated after Gabriel injury setback

Gunners struggled without centre-back last season and coping in absence of ‘leader’ will be major challenge

In Arsenal’s new-found era of squad depth, it is hard to say who their most indispensable player is.

In previous seasons the answer would have been Bukayo Saka, but the arrival of Noni Madueke in the summer has eased the burden on him.

Saka has started 11 of Arsenal’s 17 games this season, yet they are top of the Premier League and boast a 100 per cent record in the Champions League.

The Gunners have also coped with the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, who has started just five games, and with Kai Havertz playing only 30 minutes all season.

Even William Saliba , whose back injury towards the end of 2022-23 season almost single-handedly derailed Arsenal’s title bid, has missed out on the starting XI four times.

Just two players have featured in every game this season, Declan Rice and Gabriel , and it is hard to think of anyone more influential than the pair.

Martin Zubimendi’s fast start to life in north London makes him a contender and, tactically, few could replicate what he does.

But Gabriel and Rice have become the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side as they bid to end Arsenal’s 21-year wait to win the Premier League .

Gabriel, in particular, has developed into a real leader and he has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season.

Gabriel has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season

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It is why the defender limping off at Emirates Stadium last weekend, while playing in a friendly for Brazil, will have been so concerning for Arteta.

Arsenal are set to discover the full extent of his thigh injury amid fears he faces several weeks out, with reports suggesting he could even be sidelined until January.

The Gunners host Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, before taking on Bayern Munich and Chelsea next week.

Arsenal have coped with injuries so far, thanks to their £250million summer spend, but if Gabriel were to miss those games it would be a genuine test of their depth.

Arteta hailed Gabriel as “one of the best centre-backs in the world” this season because of his impact at both ends of the pitch.

He is a key reason Arsenal are so dangerous from set-pieces, and he has two goals and three assists this season. Only four Arsenal players have been directly involved in more goals.

Defensively, the Brazilian has been a rock. In the Premier League this season he ranks first in the Arsenal squad for aerial duels, blocks and clearances.

“Gabriel is the leader,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher last month.

Gabriel suffered a thigh injury while playing for Brazil last weekend

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“He’s a colossus at the back and the best set-piece threat. This happens every game. He’s the best defender in a team that produces the best defensive numbers.

“I think Gabriel is the most influential player in the Premier League right now. If Arsenal are to win the Premier League, he will be on course to win the PFA Player of the Year. He’s the No 1 contender.”

Statistics can tell you only so much, though, and there are intangible qualities Arsenal would miss if Gabriel were out for any period of time.

He is a passionate and vocal player, defending in an aggressive, front-footed manner.

Gabriel has developed a knack for scoring, but his biggest celebrations come after vital blocks or tackles.

He is a loud presence and has become part of Arsenal’s leadership group.

His personality and style complement his centre-back partner, Saliba, who is a cooler, more composed figure.

They have a strong relationship - speaking a mix of English, French and Portuguese - and understand each other’s games inside out.

Gabriel is usually charged with attacking the first ball, while Saliba uses his pace and reading of the game to sweep behind. In Arteta’s words: “It just flows.”

Gabriel faces several weeks out, with reports suggesting he could even be sidelined until January

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal were without Gabriel for the final 12 games of last season and won only five, with Jakub Kiwior filling in.

Kiwior left on loan to Porto in the summer and, this time, Arteta will turn to Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie or Riccardo Calafiori if Gabriel is out.

The trio have differing qualities that make them viable candidates.

Hincapie has been described by Arteta as a “warrior”, Calafiori is excellent on the ball and Mosquera’s one-on-one defending is among the best in the squad.

None of them, however, can truly replicate what Gabriel brings to this Arsenal side.

And so, not for the first time, Arteta will have to think outside the box.