The four players who can replace injured Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal against Real Madrid

Arsenal’s win over Fulham and the return of Bukayo Saka was completely marred by the injury suffered by Gabriel Magalhaes. Mikel Arteta after the match was unable to give much away regarding the severity of the problem and that of Jurrien Timber, who was also unable to finish the game.

"With both of them, because they are two players in this team that never want to come off, are those two probably," he said. "Gabi felt something in his hamstring.

"We don't know how big that is and with Jurrien as well. He was already struggling very early in the game. He managed to continue, at some point, he couldn't. So that's the downside to it."

How long he will be out, we ultimately do not yet know but it could be several weeks as hamstring issues usually are. This means missing the crucial European clash with Real Madrid as football.london runs through the alternative options.

Jakub Kiwior

Firstly is the man who came in to replace Gabriel on the night against Fulham and endured a mixed performance having been thrown in. A strong start gradually deteriorated, and after giving up the ball to Adama Traore in a poor position, he was also part at fault for the goal conceded after failing to get tight to Ryan Sessegnon.

Arteta spoke after the game with plenty of praise for Kiwior, however, as many would expect: "The good thing with Jakub is that he's been very reliable. Every time we need him he's always there, he's available.

"He does his job, we ask him to play as a left-centre-back, as a right-centre-back, as a left-full-back. So, he's ready. He has a smile on his face, you know, he's sad for Gabi, but he really wanted to play as well, and he will be fine."

Ben White

Missing for the visit of Fulham but if Ben White can get back on the field for next week it would be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta. When fit, there is no doubt that White is one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League.

Depending on who else is fit and how fit he is, he could either play right-back or right centre-half depending on the context. Perhaps if not 100%, playing centrally and not on the right would be best for his present situation.

Jurrien Timber

Also not completing the match was Jurrien Timber who suffered with a kick to the knee from Raul Jimenez. He has played centrally this season with Saliba and could do so again. It would require someone to fill in at right-back.

That could be the aforementioned White, but perhaps only in a scenario as mentioned where he is fit enough for the role. Or, it could be an old option that Mikel Arteta is very much used to using and even did so after Timber came off.

Thomas Partey

It should be stressed that the selection of Thomas Partey here is not to play him a centre-half but instead for him to return to that right-back role he has played so many times in dire situations. This means it requires just one of Timber or White to be fit and to play in the middle.

Jorginho can then play in the midfield alongside Rice, or, Mikel Merino can play with Rice while someone else like Leandro Trossard perhaps plays up top. It is not ideal, but Arteta will be in a situation of needs must.