Arsenal are still waiting for clarity on Gabriel\u2019s prognosis, but there are concerns he may face a fight to play again in 2025. At the start of a period in which Arsenal play 14 games across eight weeks, his absence is a big blow. The Brazilian has been one of Arsenal\u2019s best performers this season \u2014 in both boxes.<\/p>\n
But Arsenal have a deeper squad than ever before. Hincapie is just one of a number of potential solutions.<\/p>\n
Arsenal could draft in Cristhian Mosquera. The 21-year-old summer signing from Valencia has performed admirably whenever called upon. He has the physical presence and technical ability to help make up for Gabriel\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n
Mosquera is typically a right-sided defender, though \u2014 and Arteta tends to prefer the balance of one right-footer and one left.<\/p>\n
Another alternative could be Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian international plays at centre-back for his country, and was also used there during pre-season as Gabriel recuperated from hamstring surgery.<\/p>\n
Calafiori has some fitness concerns of his own to contend with, having been left out of Italy\u2019s two internationals during the international break. \u201cCalafiori left the training camp,\u201d Gattuso told a pre-match press conference on Saturday, in quotes carried by Sky Sports Italia<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe tried Calafiori, he had a few issues. I thank him for his commitment: he stayed here for a week, he could have played perhaps, but it wouldn\u2019t have been fair to him or Arsenal.\u201d<\/p>\n Sources close to Calafiori, who have asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, say his absence is due to load management rather than a specific injury. Given that, Arsenal are hopeful he should be available for them.<\/p>\n \n Calafiori has impressed at left-back (David Price\/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Naturally, he is an option at centre-half. Although 23-year-old Calafiori has been in excellent form at left-back, Arsenal have plenty of depth in that position with the alternative options of Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arteta could shift Calafiori infield next to William Saliba.<\/p>\n That would, however, mean two changes to Arsenal\u2019s first-choice back four rather than one. Calafiori has started all 11 of Arsenal\u2019s Premier League games at left-back. For consistency\u2019s sake, Arteta may be inclined to keep him there.<\/p>\n And so perhaps this is Hincapie\u2019s time. Arsenal worked hard to get him up to sharpness before the international break, with substitute appearances against Crystal Palace and Burnley sandwiched between starts against Brighton and Slavia Prague. A further two games for Ecuador during the break will have helped him get up to speed.<\/p>\n Hincapie is a different player to Gabriel, but he brings intensity, aggression and considerable experience. Crucially, he also has leadership qualities \u2014 he has worn the armband for his country on several occasions.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2239321059-scaled.jpg\")
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