After drawing against Everton in the Premier League, all of Arsenal’s focus will now turn to their historic Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
Arsenal haven’t faced Real Madrid since 2006, a knockout tie that Thierry Henry won with a solitary goal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Of course, modern day Arsenal under Mikel Arteta would be delighted to replicate that 1-0 victory on aggregate over two legs, a side who think about their defending first and foremost.
Arsenal will face the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham on Tuesday – attackers who won’t relish facing the Gunners’ defence either.
However, without Gabriel Magalhaes at the helm, Arteta’s backline has always been more porous – Arsenal will be without their leader in chief.
Jurrien Timber comments on Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence agaisnt Real Madrid
That being said, it will be interesting to see how Arteta plugs Arsenal’s hole at left centre-back.
Were he fit, Riccardo Calafiori would fit in quite seamlessly, however, it seems as if either Jakub Kiwior or Ben White will play alongside William Saliba on Tuesday evening.
Of course, Jurrien Timber should return to right-back, especially if White is playing centrally.
And when speaking to Stadium Astro after drawing with Everton on the weekend, Timber tried to explain how much of loss Gabriel will be over both legs.
Timber said: “Yeah on both sides [he will be missed]. I think in the box defensively he’s our leader, but also attacking, he loves scoring.
“So obviously he’s a big miss, everyone knows that he’s one of our leaders but now we have to find a way to do it without him.
“It’s already a big challenge for us but without him it’s even bigger.
“But I have a lot of trust in the people who will replace him and I think we are going to do well also for him.”
Arsenal predicted XI against Real Madrid
In terms of Arsenal’s most likely team to face Madrid, it currently would appear as if Kiwior will be trusted at left centre-back.
Arsenal fans were impressed by Kiwior against Everton and although he’s rarely had an opportunity in Arteta’s XI, he’s rarely let his side down when he’s started.
Otherwise, most of Arteta’s side should pick itself.
In a scenario in which Kiwior starts, White may be held back to the bench given he’s not quite up to full fitness just yet.
But in attack it seems very likely that Bukayo Saka will make his first start since returning from injury at right-wing, a gamble that’s worth taking for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s predicted XI against Real Madrid: Raya; Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Saliba, Timber; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Merino, Saka.
