Arsenal head into the North London derby four points clear at the top, but a fresh setback threatens to reshape Mikel Arteta’s plans. Gabriel Magalhães is expected to miss time after coming off on Brazil duty, and the immediate question for Sunday is simple: who steps in? The answer inside the camp is Cristhian Mosquera.
The 21-year-old has already shown he can handle intense occasions, slotting in seamlessly when William Saliba departed early against Liverpool and then delivering again versus Nottingham Forest. He brings calm passing, size, and an edge in duels attributes that mirror the qualities Arsenal usually get from Gabriel. One analyst even suggested last year he is “on his way to becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world,” which frames why Arteta can turn to him with confidence.
There are other routes. Riccardo Calafiori could be moved inside, and Piero Hincapié is an option too. But Calafiori has been excellent at left-back, while Hincapié’s only start this season came in the League Cup. Mosquera is match-sharp, familiar with the structure, and already trusted in high-leverage minutes. For a derby decided by details, those are decisive points.
Gabriel Magalhães injury leaves Arteta with a big call
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Gabriel left Brazil’s game against Senegal holding his groin and, after initial tests, is expected to be out for up to two months. That is a major blow given his form: not just the defensive security but also his penalty-box threat, two goals and three assists already this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s post-match tone was downbeat, and subsequent reporting only reinforced the concern. Arsenal lose a leader, an organiser, and a set-piece weapon.
Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal replacement case, explained
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Mosquera answers the brief. He is right-footed, 6ft 3in, and brings a composed passing range that keeps Arsenal’s first phase smooth. Crucially, he owns big-league miles for his age: before arriving in North London he made 90 senior appearances for Valencia (7,399 minutes). That background shows in his decision-making. He does not rush clearances, he holds his line when play breaks, and he’s comfortable stepping in to intercept rather than defaulting to retreat.
When Saliba exited five minutes into the Liverpool match, Mosquera logged around 85 minutes and looked unfazed. The numbers backed the eye test: 47/51 passes (92%), five ground duels contested with four won, plus clearances, recoveries and blocks that kept Arsenal stable under pressure. Arteta stuck with him afterwards, rewarding a display that suggested the Frenchman’s absence hadn’t destabilised the spine.
How the derby picture shifts without Gabriel
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Arsenal can keep Calafiori at left-back, partner Mosquera with Saliba, and preserve the balance that has underpinned their recent run. Mosquera offers Gabriel-like aggression in ground duels and the cool distribution that suits Arsenal’s build-up. Against Tottenham’s left-side threats and late back-post runs, his size, timing and willingness to step in front matter. He also has that old-school streak, an intensity in duels that supporters associate with Gabriel.
There is no dressing up the loss: Gabriel’s absence is significant. But Arsenal do not need to reinvent themselves. They can stay front-foot, hold their line high, and trust Mosquera to keep the structure intact. For a derby that will turn on first contacts, second balls around the D, and concentration on restarts, Mosquera looks like the most logical answer. If he takes this chance the way he took Anfield, Arsenal’s title push can stay on track while their Brazilian enforcer heals.
Editorial conclusion: the short-term plan is clear. Keep Calafiori wide, give Mosquera the shirt, and let Saliba’s chemistry with a composed partner carry Arsenal through a pivotal fortnight. The talent is there, and the stage is set.