Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit is fearful of Jakub Kiwior having to “learn on the job” if he is thrust into face Real Madrid tonight.
The injury to Gabriel means Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will have to field a weakened back four against the might of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr as Arsenal take on Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates.
Kiwior started at Everton on Saturday, and performed well in a 1-1 draw, and he could retain his place, or Arteta could shuffle things round and play Jurrien Timber at right-back and shift Ben White into the centre alongside William Saliba.
Both solutions come with risk and Petit accepts Arsenal will miss Brazil international Gabriel.
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Gabriel absence is a big blow for Arsenal – Petit
He told William Hill: “Gabriel is a top-class central defender who has consistently proven his worth. Over the past few seasons, his partnership with William Saliba has become one of the strongest in Europe. Arsenal will really feel his absence.
“Jakub Kiwior did well against Everton, but with all due respect, Everton aren’t Real Madrid. Facing their forwards is a completely different challenge to coming up against someone like Kylian Mbappé. The pace, the movement, the constant threat in behind — it demands total concentration and defensive awareness.
“This is a massive step up for Kiwior. I have a lot of respect for him, but he hasn’t had many appearances for Arsenal yet — so this will be a real test. He’ll be learning, and doing so against Real Madrid means learning on the job at the highest level.
“That said, it’s not just about Kiwior. Arsenal’s answer lies in their collective effort, not in any one individual. If they stay compact, communicate well, and remain focused, they can make life very difficult for Real Madrid.”
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Saliba and Rice will have to shine
Gabriel’s absence will place more emphasis on Saliba and central midfielder Declan Rice.
Petit, who also played for Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona, added: “I think Declan Rice and William Saliba are the defensive spine of Arsenal, they are the most important players for Arsenal against Real Madrid. Along with [goalkeeper] David Raya, they’ll be absolutely crucial.
“Raya needs to stay fully focused throughout the game. At times, he might find himself playing a little higher up the pitch — almost like an extra centre-back — so his positioning and awareness will be key.
“With the speed and threat of someone like Kylian Mbappé, things can change very quickly. That space in behind the defence is always a danger, so Raya has to be switched on and ready for anything.
“For me, the leaders in this Arsenal team are Rice and Saliba. They need to communicate constantly, organise the back line, and take full control of the defensive structure throughout the match.”
