Former hero of weapons afraid of Mbappe’s influence against Kiwior

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit is afraid that Jakub Kiwior will have to “learn at work” if he pushes Real Madrid tonight.

Gabriel’s injury means that Gunners chief Mikel Arteta will have to weaken the four of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius JR, while Arsenal takes Madrid in the first part of their quarterfinals of the Champions League in Emirates.

Kiwior started at Everton on Saturday, and he performed well in drawing 1-1, and he could keep his place, or Arthta could mix things up and play Jurrien Timber with his right Bek and transfer Ben White to the center along with William Salib.

Both solutions come at risk, and Petit accepts that Arsenal will miss Brazil International Gabriel.

Nothing surpasses the excitement of those huge Champions League nights.

Let’s do it 💫 pic.twitter.com/4sce1ot4cf

– Arsenal (@arsenal) 8 April 2025

Gabriel absence is a big blow for arsenal – petit

He said William Hill: “Gabriel is a top central defender who has consistently proved his value. During the last few seasons, his partnership with William Salib has become one of the strongest in Europe. Arsenal will truly feel his absence.

“Jakub Kiwior did well against Everton, but with all due respect, Everton is not Real Madrid. Faced with their striker is a completely different challenge to trial against someone like Kylian Mbappé. Tempo, movement, constant threat to backward – requires complete concentration and defensive consciousness.

“This is a huge step for Kiwi. I have a lot of respect for him, but he has not yet had a lot of appearances for Arsenal – so this will be a real test. He will learn, and that will also be learned against Real Madrid at the highest level.

“That’s not said, it’s not just about Kiwior. Arsenal’s response lies in their collective effort, not in any individual. If they remain compact, they communicate well and remain focused, life can make very difficult for Real Madrid.”

Saliba and rice will have to shine

Gabriel’s absence will put greater emphasis on Salib and the central midfielder Declan Ricea.

Petit, who also played for the Madrid Barcelona rivals, added: “I think Declan Rice and William Saliba are the defensive spine of Arsenal, they are the most important players for Arsenal against Real Madrid. With (goalkeeper) David Ray, he will be absolutely crucial.

“Raya must remain fully focused throughout the game. Sometimes a slightly higher terrain-Gotovo could be found like an additional center-so that his positioning and consciousness will be key.

“With the speed and threat of someone like Kylian Mbappé, things can change very quickly. That space behind the defense is always a danger, so Raya must be included and ready for anything.

“For me, the leaders in this team are arsenal of rice and saliba. They need to constantly communicate, organize the back line and take complete control over the defensive structure throughout the match.”