Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confronting a significant injury headache ahead of Sunday's pivotal North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. The Premier League leaders are forced to reshuffle their pack, presenting the Spaniard with four major tactical decisions that could define this high-stakes clash.
Gabriel's Absence: A Defensive Conundrum
The most pressing issue for Arteta is replacing central defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who sustained a thigh injury while playing for Brazil. The 27-year-old was forced off during a friendly against Senegal at the Emirates and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
This leaves a crucial vacancy alongside the ever-present William Saliba. Arteta has several options to consider. Summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have shown promise, while the versatile Jurrien Timber and Ben White could also slot into the heart of the defence, despite often being deployed as full-backs.
Attack: Who Leads the Line?
With star striker Viktor Gyokeres a major doubt for the derby, a trio of attackers are vying for the starting role. Gabriel Jesus is the most natural replacement but has only just returned to first-team training following a lengthy layoff with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Mikel Merino has impressed in a forward role when called upon, and Leandro Trossard presents another compelling option thanks to his proven goalscoring instinct. Arteta's choice here could be the game's defining factor.
Left-Back Dilemma and Midfield Battles
Further selection headaches come in the form of Riccardo Calafiori's fitness doubts after the Italian missed international duty. This could open the door for Myles Lewis-Skelly to earn his first Premier League start of the season.
The Hale End graduate faces stiff competition, however. Hincapie is also capable of playing at left-back, and Timber could provide cover on the flank if needed. This decision will test Arteta's faith in his academy products versus his new signings.
Mind Games and Motivation
Adding spice to the occasion, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank engaged in some classic pre-derby mind games. When asked about Arsenal's signing of Eberechi Eze, Frank deadpanned, "Who's Eze?" before acknowledging the "very good player."
While Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are nearing returns from injury, Frank's comments are likely to have provided Eze with extra motivation to be the creative spark for the Gunners. With history on the line—a fourth consecutive win over Spurs for the first time since 1989—every motivational edge counts.
Both teams are desperate for a victory after dropping points before the international break. Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland, while Tottenham conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to Manchester United. Under Arteta, Arsenal have largely dominated this fixture, losing only three times to their arch-rivals, with the last defeat coming back in May 2022.
