Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit is petrified of Jakub Kiwior having to “study on the job” if he’s thrust into face Actual Madrid tonight.
The harm to Gabriel means Gunners boss Mikel Arteta must area a weakened again 4 towards the would possibly of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr as Arsenal tackle Madrid within the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on the Emirates.
Kiwior began at Everton on Saturday, and carried out effectively in a 1-1 draw, and he may retain his place, or Arteta may shuffle issues spherical and play Jurrien Timber at right-back and shift Ben White into the centre alongside William Saliba.
Each options include threat and Petit accepts Arsenal will miss Brazil worldwide Gabriel.
Nothing beats the joy of these large Champions League nights.
Let’s make it occur 💫 pic.twitter.com/4scE1ot4Cf
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2025
Gabriel absence is a giant blow for Arsenal – Petit
He instructed William Hill: “Gabriel is a top-class central defender who has constantly confirmed his value. Over the previous few seasons, his partnership with William Saliba has turn into one of many strongest in Europe. Arsenal will actually really feel his absence.
“Jakub Kiwior did effectively towards Everton, however with all due respect, Everton aren’t Actual Madrid. Going through their forwards is a very totally different problem to arising towards somebody like Kylian Mbappé. The tempo, the motion, the fixed risk in behind — it calls for whole focus and defensive consciousness.
“This can be a large step up for Kiwior. I’ve a variety of respect for him, however he hasn’t had many appearances for Arsenal but — so this can be an actual take a look at. He’ll be studying, and doing so towards Actual Madrid means studying on the job on the highest degree.
“That stated, it’s not nearly Kiwior. Arsenal’s reply lies of their collective effort, not in anybody particular person. In the event that they keep compact, talk effectively, and stay targeted, they will make life very tough for Actual Madrid.”
Saliba and Rice must shine
Gabriel’s absence will place extra emphasis on Saliba and central midfielder Declan Rice.
Petit, who additionally performed for Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona, added: “I believe Declan Rice and William Saliba are the defensive backbone of Arsenal, they’re crucial gamers for Arsenal towards Actual Madrid. Together with [goalkeeper] David Raya, they’ll be completely essential.
“Raya wants to remain totally targeted all through the sport. At occasions, he would possibly discover himself enjoying a bit of larger up the pitch — virtually like an additional centre-back — so his positioning and consciousness can be key.
“With the pace and risk of somebody like Kylian Mbappé, issues can change in a short time. That area in behind the defence is all the time a hazard, so Raya must be switched on and prepared for something.
“For me, the leaders on this Arsenal workforce are Rice and Saliba. They should talk consistently, organise the again line, and take full management of the defensive construction all through the match.”
