Mikel Arteta Comments on Defensive Setback and Recovery Prospects

Mikel Arteta described Gabriel’s injury as “a major setback” given his pivotal role as defensive anchor. the manager revealed that further medical scans scheduled for next Wednesday will shed more light on how long the defender will be sidelined.

“Sadly, Gabi picked up this injury while with his national team,” Arteta explained. “He’ll be out for several weeks.We’ll have more clarity after next week’s scan.”

This season,Gabriel has been ever-present at centre-back and instrumental in Arsenal conceding just six goals across their first fifteen league games-a defensive record among the best in Europe.

Main Contenders to Step into Gabriel’s Role Against Spurs and Beyond

Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera are currently leading candidates to fill the void left by Gabriel against Tottenham. Both players have shown glimpses of promise but lack consistent experience at top-flight level this campaign.

• Piero Hincapié arrived late during the summer transfer window primarily as defensive cover; so far he has mostly featured at left-back rather than his preferred centre-back position.
• Cristhian Mosquera last started a league fixture versus Newcastle but was substituted early following an error that led directly to a goal; his only recent partnership with William Saliba came against lower-tier opposition.
• An alternative tactical approach could see Riccardo Calafiori deployed centrally with adjustments made elsewhere along the backline; however,Arteta prefers minimal positional shifts when covering injuries.

“Losing our defensive captain is never ideal,” said Arteta. “But we trust these players can rise to meet this challenge.”

The Road Ahead: Navigating Key Fixtures Without one of Their Defensive Pillars

“This week represents a critical juncture,” analysts noted following squad updates. “Starting with Spurs at home initiates three high-stakes matches within seven days including clashes against Bayern Munich and Chelsea-both formidable adversaries.”

Sidelined Stars Impacting Squad Depth Beyond Gabriel

Apart from losing Gabriel, Arsenal are also managing absences involving Viktor Gyökeres, captain Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Martinelli due to various injuries sustained recently. Despite these setbacks there remains cautious optimism from arteta about some returning ahead of Sunday’s derby after intensive rehabilitation efforts during the international break.

“We’ve worked closely alongside our medical staff throughout this break trying every possible avenue,” said Arteta. “Tomorrow we’ll reassess their conditions during training before deciding if they’re fit enough or if it remains too soon.”

The manager expressed hope regarding some injured stars’ imminent returns but remained uncertain about their availability specifically for Sunday: “I’m more hopeful now than before Sunderland that they’ll be back shortly.”

Kolo Muani Boosts Tottenham Squad Before North London Derby Showdown

Ahead of their trip across town this weekend Tottenham Hotspur received positive news concerning forward Randal Kolo Muani who resumed training wearing protective headgear following jaw surgery earlier this month sustained during their draw versus Manchester United.

• Kolo Muani missed France duty due to injury but has now returned to training under mask protection making him potentially available against Arsenal.
• Total fitness improvements were confirmed by Spurs boss Thomas Frank who also announced defenders Ben Davies and Kota Takai have recovered from injuries alongside midfielder Pape Sarr ready after recent conditioning work.
• Youth prospect Archie Grey rejoined full training while Mohammed Kudus returned post-international duty absence.
• Certain key players remain sidelined including James Maddison,Yves Bissouma ,Dejan Kulusevski,and Dominic Solanke whose ankle surgery delays comeback plans.
• “Dom isn’t ready yet,” frank cautioned regarding solanke.”We want no setbacks once he returns.” rnrn