Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has moved to ease the growing concerns around Gabriel Magalhães’ recent injury, insisting that the Gunners remain well-equipped to defend at a high level when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in what promises to be a fiercely contested North London Derby.
While Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable defenders under Mikel Arteta, Henry believes the team’s defensive structure—and not just individual brilliance—is what has made them one of the Premier League’s most resilient sides in recent seasons. According to him, Arsenal have evolved into a system-based defensive unit, capable of absorbing personnel changes without losing their identity.
Henry highlighted three key reasons why Gabriel’s absence shouldn’t derail Arsenal’s defensive plans:
1. Arsenal’s Defensive System Is Bigger Than One Player
Henry praised Arteta for building a unit that defends from the front, keeps a compact shape, and controls the tempo of matches. In his view, Arsenal’s strength lies in collective organisation rather than relying on individual duels.
He stressed that when the structure is intact, the team can still maintain defensive dominance — even without one of its core centre-backs.
2. Squad Depth Gives Arsenal Options
Henry emphasised that Arsenal now possess the kind of depth that top teams rely on. With players like Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and even Ben White able to slot into central defence when needed, the Gunners have multiple solutions that allow them to stay solid at the back.
He noted that this depth is one of the club’s biggest improvements in recent years — something Arsenal of the past didn’t always enjoy.
3. Saliba’s Leadership and Calmness
The former striker also pointed out the importance of William Saliba, whose presence transforms Arsenal’s backline. Henry believes that Saliba’s composure, leadership, and anticipation help stabilise whoever plays alongside him.
With the Frenchman in top form, Henry is confident that the defensive line will remain organised and difficult to break down.
Henry did, however, issue a reminder: Tottenham are dangerous, especially in transition, and Arsenal must stay disciplined. But overall, he expressed firm belief that Arteta’s men have enough structure, quality, and adaptability to cope without Gabriel — and still produce a strong defensive performance in one of the biggest fixtures of their season.
