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It's not looking good for Arsenal as they prepare for their biggest month of the season so far. April is the month the Gunners face Real Madrid in the Champions League and unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, he's had a rough time of things on the injury front.
Arguably Arsenal's best defender over the last few seasons, Gabriel, has become injured. It was since revealed by the club itself that the Brazil international would be missing for the remainder of the season. In true Arsenal fashion, we must now ask the question - Could it have come at a worse time?
Usually, Arsenal has one of the best defences in the world, and undoubtedly, Real Madrid has the world's best attack. So, this match originally caught the eye as being one to watch and bizarrely, Arsenal stood a chance. Given Gabriel's injury, though, the likelihood is much greater in favour of Los Blancos.
Now, there are options for Arsenal to explore. However, such is the nature of this sport and fan reactions, a large section of the supporters are not overly optimistic about the thought of starting Jakub Kiwior. I know - Jakub Kiwior against Kylian Mbappe and company is nightmare fuel.
Arsenal fans are panicking about one defender facing Real Madrid
When key injuries occur, it is our natural instinct as fans to jump to the worst possible conclusion. For Arsenal fans, that worst-case scenario involves Jakub Kiwior given a starting role against Real Madrid. Ideally, he wouldn't even need to come off the bench, but given Arsenal's poor luck, this wouldn't come as much of a surprise.
I would rather have a cardboard cutout of gabriel playing than kiwior.
— Checkmate (@ManoB68050296) April 4, 2025
Icl if you’re coming to the Emirates for the Real Madrid home leg next week, please we have to scream everytime Kiwior does something because fekkkkk he’s gonna need the confidence and so do we
— shizelle. (@shizelle_) April 3, 2025
Mr Arteta is going to need to find yet another solution because there ain't no way we're getting past Real Madrid with Kiwior in there.
— AK Arsenal (@akarsenalnews) April 1, 2025
There shouldn't exist a world where Arsenal start with Jakub Kiwior against the Champions League holders. However, as the days grow closer towards that monumental UCL tie, the worry is growing that this might be the reality.
Of course, fans would get behind Kiwior if he were to start against Real Madrid. Fans might not be full of confidence, but they would at least disguise it with fake confidence (Arsenal fans have become pretty used to that, after all).
A contrasting view was gathered by BBC Sport, which featured quotations from Arsenal fans about their thoughts on the Gabriel injury. Within the report, Arsenal fan Aaron said "Jakub Kiwior - it's time for you to be a hero!" and Jamie said "A silver lining - this should give Kiwior a run in the team and the chance to show what he can do leading to either a new contract or getting more money for him."
I want whatever those optimistic Arsenal fans are having.
Thankfully, there is some reason to cling to hope before the European showdown. A report from the Independent suggests that Ben White could be available as an emergency option for the Real Madrid game. Let's hope so.