Former Arsenal star and football pundit Paul Merson has voiced concern over Arsenal’s defensive setup ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday night, particularly due to the absence of key centre-back Gabriel Magalhães.
While Bukayo Saka has returned to fitness following a four-month spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Merson believes Gabriel’s unavailability poses a much bigger issue for the Gunners, especially against the pace and threat of Kylian Mbappé.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said:
“I thought it was a 50:50 chance when Bukayo Saka came back from injury. But now with Gabriel being injured, I say 25 per cent.
If you had a choice between Saka and Gabriel for these two legs, you would pick Gabriel. It’s a big ask for Jakub Kiwior, if he is the one to start.”
He questioned Kiwior’s ability to step up on such a big stage, given his limited playing time and experience at this level:
“You’re asking someone who hardly plays – because he’s not as good as the other two – to come into a Champions League quarter-final. Kiwior is alright, but he’s not Arsenal.”
Merson highlighted the particular threat posed by Real Madrid’s talisman, Kylian Mbappé, who he ranks among the top three players in the world alongside Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
“And you’re asking Kiwior to mark him. Kylian Mbappé, the best in the world or at least in the top three… He plays on the shoulder and if he gets through, I just don’t see anybody catching him.”
With Arsenal’s defensive depth being tested, all eyes will be on how Mikel Arteta sets up his backline to counter Real Madrid’s potent attack.