The best Gabriel replacement for the North London Derby is not Piero Hincapie

Arsenal have a big test on Sunday. It is not every day you face your biggest, eternal rivals. They play Tottenham on Sunday, and there is a lot riding on the game, even more than what people currently think.

In games like this, it is not always set in stone what ends up happening. Despite being in the best of forms, any team can falter, and if you are struggling, you might end up with three points.

Against Tottenham, though, there is one problem Mikel Arteta is definitely going to have. There is no doubt about the fact that Gabriel is obviously going to miss the game - and a lot more - after sustaining a groin injury over the international break.

Now, he has two options. Should he start a natural left centre-back in Piero Hincapie, or should he go for Christhian Mosquera on that side?

None of these players have started a huge game for Arsenal, and are both fairly new signings - having only joined over the summer.

Christhian Mosquera should be the starter over Piero Hincapie

Having back-ups of this quality is definitely helpful, and it is a huge jump from last season. They used to have these problems before 2025, and now, the problem seems less extreme because of the sheer quality they have across the four spots.

Despite Hincapie being the more natural fit, Mosquera has to start the game alongside William Saliba. Arsenal clearly need Mosquera's physicality, especially with Randal Kolo Muani back.

Everyone would probably say Hincapie is the better fit, and is also potentially quicker than Mosquera, which would help with the pace of Kolo Muani if he starts. However, it is not just about the pace.

Even if it were about the pace, it is not like Mosquera is a snail. He is a really quick defender for his height, and his physicality will bring in more firepower for Arsenal against a dynamic Tottenham attack.

Being really physical against quick players like Kolo Muani and Mohammed Kudus always helps the defensive team.

If they need a bit more pace later on, Hincapie can always come on later, but it is, at least in my opinion, much better for Mosquera to be the starter instead.

It remains to be seen what Mikel Arteta ends up doing, but Mosquera's height will help Arsenal even if Tottenham start a taller, more physical striker like Richarlison.

Hincapie is definitely a capable option in defense, though, and both of them will do a great job. It is a matter of perspective, and mine is that Mosquera should be starting.