Gabriel Magalhaes limped off during Arsenal’s Champions League win against Sporting CP on Tuesday and there are now question marks surrounding the Brazilian’s fitness ahead of the weekend’s round of fixtures.
The Gunners travel to London Stadium on Saturday evening to face West Ham, who go into the clash on the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Newcastle. A win for Mikel Arteta’s side could take them into second, and with Man City and Liverpool playing one another on Sunday it would be a crucial three points for the north Londoners.
They may have to beat the Hammers without Gabriel, however, after the commanding centre-back was forced off through injury against Sporting. “We don’t know. We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort.
The 26-year-old has featured in every Premier League game for Arsenal so far this season, with his partnership with William Saliba at the heart of defence perhaps the best in the league. So, who can Arsenal call upon should the Brazilian not make the trip to West Ham.
Since joining the Gunners from Spezia in January 2023 in a deal worth around £20million, Jakub Kiwior has struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI. Making appearances at centre-back and left-back, the Polish international has done alright when called upon and has proven to be a decent squad player.
Kiwior replaced Gabriel with just over five minutes to go at the Estádio José Alvalade and would be a trustworthy replacement for the game at West Ham. The 24-year-old has made nine appearances for the Gunners this term, although the majority of those in the league have come off the bench.
