Arsenal were left reeling by confirmation that Gabriel Magalhaes has suffered a season-ending injury.
Gabriel sustained a hamstring injury during Tuesday night’s Premier League meeting with Fulham, which saw him come off after just 15 minutes.
The Brazil international is set to undergo surgery in the coming days, after which he will need to undergo rehabilitation.
The aim is for Gabriel ‘to be ready for the start of next season’, Arsenal confirmed in a statement.
There was some debate as to who could replace Gabriel for Arsenal, including the prospect of Declan Rice playing in defence.
Against Everton, Mikel Arteta went with the logical choice in Jakub Kiwior, a left-footed centre-back just like Gabriel.
Arsenal fans had a lot to say about Kiwior after the Gunners played out a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta delivers Mikel Merino injury update after Arsenal draw at Everton
Arsenal fans split over Jakub Kiwior starting against Real Madrid despite Everton heroics
Kiwior was impressive against Everton, putting in a Man of the Match performance that some Arsenal fans were thrilled with.
Some Gunners supporters sung Kiwior’s praises and said they felt confident of having him start against Real Madrid in the Champions League next Tuesday night.
Jakub Kiwior couldn’t have put in a better performance today ahead of the game against Real Madrid up next,” one fan wrote on X. “Top game from the centre-back.”
“Jakub Kiwior give us that performance on Tuesday against Real Madrid then we have a chance,” said another supporter.
Another said: “You know what I’m glad that Kiwior’s getting confidence today ahead of Madrid, makes me feel that much more at ease.”
However, some fans felt the difference in quality between Everton and Real Madrid would see Kiwior struggle in midweek.
“Kiwior is a player that will put up a good performance today and be awful the next match,” said one fan.
“Don’t be deceived. I hope he proves me wrong though. If he starts against Madrid.”
Another said: “Lord have mercy on Kiwior. I fear the worst for him. It’s Rodrygo, Mbappe and Vinicius in transition.”
Another wrote: “Please let’s not be deceived by Kiwior’s performance against an Everton side that barely had a sniff at us & suggest he plays against Madrid.
“He will get turned over. He’s good on the ball with finding runners over the top, but defensively he’s meh, and he will be facing terrors.”
How Arsenal could line up at the back against Real Madrid
Arteta would be able to line up his back four in a number of ways against Real, assuming all the players who featured against Everton are all fully fit by Tuesday.
The same back four that started against Everton could be in the XI against Real – Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, William Saliba and Ben White.
However, White and Timber could also start at centre-back if Arteta opts not to start Kiwior alongside Saliba, while Timber could also feature at right-back.
In addition, Kieran Tierney came off the bench against Everton, so he could potentially play at left-back should Arteta opt not to start Lewis-Skelly.
Saliba is probably the only player who’s guaranteed to start at the back against Madrid if fit.
