Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should trust Cristhian Mosquera to replace Gabriel in the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. 

The Gunners are top of the Premier League table, four points clear of Manchester City, who recorded an emphatic 3-0 win against Liverpool before the international break. If Arsenal manage to beat their rivals Tottenham this weekend, they could go seven points clear at the top, depending on how City do against Newcastle United.

Arsenal have suffered a recent serious injury blow with defender Gabriel, who is dealing with an issue that he suffered whilst on international duty with Brazil. He will likely miss Sunday’s game, leaving Arteta to pick who to replace the Brazilian international with.

His options include backup centre-backs Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie, left-back Riccardo Calafiori, and full-back Ben White. It is not clear yet which one Arteta will pick to replace him with this weekend.

Arsenal should start Mosquera vs Tottenham

Last time that an Arsenal centre-back was injured, it was William Saliba, and Mikel Arteta decided to bring in Mosquera to replace him. The Spanish defender looked comfortable as ever in Arteta’s system, and has been fantastic with every opportunity that he has had this season.

He has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, including seven games in the Premier League. Coming up against the pacey Spurs attackers such as Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons, Arsenal need defenders with speed and intelligence, and that is exactly what 21-year-old Mosquera has.

Arteta referenced this at the start of the season when Arsenal signed Mosquera. He was quoted by ESPN in August saying: “We’re delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.”

Mosquera would be the ideal replacement for Gabriel on Sunday against Tottenham, but either way, Arteta has a tough job picking who should take the spot alongside Saliba.

Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news and expected return dates.