How Arsenal can line up without Gabriel against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Arsenal's injury curse knows no bounds. Just as the Gunners welcomed Bukayo Saka back into the fold, they were struck down by another devastating fitness setback.

Arsenal's 'star boy' returned to action last Tuesday and scored on his comeback against Fulham, revelling in the adoration of the Emirates crowd. But celebrations were somewhat muted after news emerged of Gabriel's season-ending hamstring injury.

The Brazilian centre-back was withdrawn early in the clash with the Cottagers and won't turn out again this season, meaning he will miss crucial Champions League quarter-final encounters against reigning European champions Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta will have to find a way to manage without his towering centre-half against the might of Madrid's forward line, but that will be far from straightforward.

Here are several possible solutions for Arteta.

Jakub Kiwior filling in

Jakub Kiwior is the obvious replacement / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

With Riccardo Calafiori currently sidelined with a knee injury and his return date uncertain, Jakub Kiwior is Arsenal's only natural replacement for Gabriel. The Poland international was the man Arteta turned to from the bench against Fulham and then from the start at Everton.

Not for the first time in his Arsenal career, the 25-year-old has failed to entirely convince when filling the shoes of those above him in the pecking order. Saliba and Gabriel are elite centre-halves and are incredibly difficult to replace, but Kiwior is a far cry from their outstanding level.

The Poland international will have immense difficulties handling Kylian Mbappe and Madrid's devastating inside forwards, but Arteta has few other options in the heart of his defence.

Ben White or Jurrien Timber to centre-back

Jurrien Timber has occasionally featured centrally / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Full-back and centre-back are vastly different positions but there is some crossover. Having someone with a natural defensive mindset covering an unfamiliar position can come in incredibly handy and Jurrien Timber and Ben White have both shown their ability to play in the centre of defence previously.

White was a regular centre-half before arriving at the Emirates and Timber has been deployed in the role previously with both Ajax and Arsenal. If Arteta doesn't have complete and utter faith in Kiwior, then he could move his full-backs to the centre.

The good news for Arteta is that White returned from injury against Everton and Timber was fit enough to feature at Goodison Park having suffered an injury scare against the Cottagers. Both are on standby if Arteta needs more mobility against Madrid.

Thomas Partey as an emergency option

Thomas Partey is a last resort / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

Thomas Partey as been something of a Swiss Army knife for Arsenal in recent times, most commonly filling in at right-back this season due to consistent defensive injuries for the Gunners. However, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder could face familiar foes as an emergency centre-back.

It's unlikely given the availability of other aforementioned options but Arteta could call upon his tough-tackling enforcer in the heart of defence if required. Knowing Arsenal's injury luck, he could be needed for at least one of the legs.