He’s a big blow and miss: Arsenal legend Ian Wright on key defender Gabriel

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed concern over the absence of Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of the Gunners' crucial Premier League clash against Everton.

Gabriel, who sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s match against Fulham, is expected to miss the remainder of the season, leaving a significant gap in Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup.

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Speaking about Gabriel’s impact, Wright emphasised the defender's importance to Arsenal's stability at the back.

“It’s a huge blow,” Wright, on duty as a pundit for the game, told Premier League. “He is someone who is vital to what Arsenal are doing. With him and without him, there’s a massive difference. He’s a big miss.”

Wright also noted that Gabriel's absence presents an opportunity for Jakub Kiwior, who stepped into the role.

“It’s an opportunity for Kiwior. He’s got to focus on putting in the kind of performance that gives the fans confidence he might be able to do a good job,” Wright added.

The timing of Gabriel's injury is particularly concerning for Arsenal, as they face high-stakes matches in both domestic and European competitions.

His partnership with William Saliba has been decisive to Arsenal’s defensive success this season, and his absence could force Arteta to make strategic adjustments that may affect team performance.

Despite worries from fans about Kiwior’s ability to fill Gabriel’s shoes, the Polish defender has shown promise in previous appearances and boasts an impressive record when starting for Arsenal this season.

While Arsenal prepare for a decisive run-in across competitions, including a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, all eyes will be on Kiwior and how he handles the pressure of stepping into Gabriel's role during this critical period