Arsenal legend Ian Wright has admitted he is concerned about the Gunners' defensive setup ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid next week. His worry stems from the potential absence of Gabriel Magalhães, who suffered a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta’s side faces a major test against the 14-time Champions League winners, and without Gabriel, their defensive structure could be vulnerable. The Brazilian defender has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable players this season, forming a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba at the heart of the defense.

Defensive Woes Ahead of Madrid Showdown

Gabriel’s injury comes at a time when Arsenal is already dealing with fitness concerns. Ben White was absent from the squad against Fulham, and Jurrien Timber, who is still recovering from a long-term injury, was substituted in the second half at the Emirates.

With limited options, Arteta turned to Jakub Kiwior to replace Gabriel against Fulham. However, Wright was left unimpressed with the Polish defender’s performance, warning that Real Madrid could take advantage of his positional weaknesses.

“Without Gabi Magalhaes in that game, you’re looking at Kiwior—even today [against Fulham], there’s a couple of positional moves that you just cannot afford to do when you play against Real Madrid,” Wright said on Premier League Productions.

“They are looking for any chink in the armour to exploit, so you need people who are absolutely bang on it, to be able to keep Real Madrid to no goals at home. If Gabi Magalhaes was there, I would feel more confident about that.”

Can Arsenal Survive Without Gabriel?

Wright’s concerns are valid. Real Madrid, known for their clinical attack and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses, will be relentless in searching for weaknesses. With the likes of Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo in red-hot form, Arsenal will need a backline that is both disciplined and resilient.

Kiwior has had flashes of promise but has struggled with consistency since his arrival from Spezia. Against Madrid, there will be no room for errors. Arsenal’s defensive organization must be at its peak if they are to withstand Madrid’s attacking threats.

A Defining Moment for Arsenal’s European Dream

The Gunners have been one of Europe’s most exciting teams this season, and their return to the Champions League quarter-finals is a testament to their progress under Arteta. However, injuries are beginning to cast a shadow over their campaign, and this upcoming clash with Real Madrid could define their season.

For Arsenal fans, the hope is that Gabriel recovers in time or that Kiwior rises to the occasion. If not, Arteta will have a tough decision to make—either trust the young defender or find an alternative solution to keep Madrid at bay.