Arteta remains confident in Arsenal’s defensive depth after Gabriel blow
Arsenal will be without Gabriel Magalhaes for the north London derby, and Mikel Arteta has urged his other defenders to “stand up”.
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal defenders to “stand up now and do the job” after confirming that Gabriel Magalhaes will be out for a few weeks.
The centre-back suffered an injury during Brazil’s international friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, and will now miss the north London derby on Sunday.
Gabriel is also set to miss vital fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the following week as the Gunners look to continue their strong start to the season.
The 27-year-old has won the joint-most duels for Arsenal in the Premier League this season (63, tied with Jurrien Timber), and has also directly contributed to five goals in all competitions (two goals, three assists).
Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are the two most likely candidates to replace Gabriel in the Arsenal backline, and Arteta wants them to make the most of their opportunity.
“Gabriel has unfortunately picked up an injury with Brazil and he's going to be out for weeks,” said Arteta.
“We need to have another scan, I think on Wednesday, then we will have the timeline much more clear than we have at the moment.
“It's clear it's a blow because it's our leader in the back line. To lose him is never a good thing but the positive is that we have very good options and people have to stand up now and do the job.”
Arsenal have won five of their last six Premier League games against Tottenham (D1), including the last three in a row. It’s their longest winning run against Spurs since a five-game stretch between January 1987 and January 1989.
The Gunners could move seven points clear at the top of the league table if they win on Sunday, and Arteta is relishing the rivalry.
“It is different. This is a big city and a big rivalry for a part of London that we want to conquer,” Arteta added.
“They want to do the same. There have been a lot of shifts over the years with who has been more dominant.
“It's just beautiful, especially when we play at home in front of our people. We know the energy that they are going to bring, the energy the team will bring in every single action.
“It's a privilege to play in this kind of game so we cannot wait to get to Sunday.”
