---
title: "Why Arsenal still need defender despite Gabriel return"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/05/why-arsenal-still-need-defender-despite-gabriel-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alan Buckby"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2026-08-05T19:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-05T19:00:00Z"
---

# Why Arsenal still need defender despite Gabriel return

**Gabriel Magalhães is returning at an important time for Arsenal, but his availability does not remove Mikel Arteta’s need for another defender.**

The Brazilian has rejoined the squad following his extended post-World Cup break and could feature against Real Betis. However, Arsenal’s defensive problem remains because William Saliba is facing an extended spell out with a back injury.

[The Guardian reports that Arsenal are now expected to step up their search for another defender](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/05/arsenal-agree-75m-fee-with-newcastle-for-bruno-guimaraes-as-clubs-reach-compromise), with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa among the players under consideration.

> Gabriel Magalhães & Gabriel Martinelli, both not named in the Arsenal matchday squad, in attendance at the Estadi Montilivi this evening. 👋🇧🇷 [pic.twitter.com/zC447wTCmy](https://t.co/zC447wTCmy)
>
> — afcstuff (@afcstuff) [August 1, 2026](https://x.com/afcstuff/status/2083612717219213337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Gabriel return gives Arsenal one important piece back

Gabriel’s return immediately strengthens Arteta’s options.

He has formed one of the Premier League’s strongest centre-back partnerships with Saliba and remains crucial to Arsenal’s defensive structure.

The problem is who plays alongside him.

Saliba aggravated an existing back problem during the World Cup and is expected to miss an extended period. There is currently no clear date for his return.

Cristhian Mosquera can operate at centre-back and gained useful minutes during the early pre-season fixtures. Arteta also has Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori capable of covering centrally.

However, Arsenal are trying to challenge for major honours rather than simply fill spaces in the squad.

Replacing Saliba’s pace, recovery defending and ability to defend large spaces will be difficult for any one player.

## Arsenal still have fitness concerns in defence

The situation becomes more complicated when Arsenal’s other defenders are considered.

Ben White completed 60 minutes against Girona after spending three months out with a knee injury. [The Standard reports that White may now have his workload managed carefully](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-xi-vs-real-betis-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-injury-latest-preseason-friendly-2026-today-b1292251.html), while Jurriën Timber has also been considered doubtful during pre-season.

Those players give Arteta versatility when fully fit.

They cannot yet be treated as guaranteed solutions across a demanding opening period.

That explains why Arsenal’s transfer business appears set to continue even after agreeing a £75million deal for Bruno Guimarães.

[ReadArsenal reported on Wednesday that the Gunners have turned their attention towards signing another defender](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/05/arsenal-target-defender-after-agreeing-75m-newcastle-deal/), with Konsa currently among their options.

The England international could cover centrally and at right-back, which would give Arteta the flexibility he values.

Aston Villa reportedly want around £60m, so Arsenal will need to decide whether that represents sensible value.

Gabriel’s return makes Arsenal stronger.

It does not change the bigger issue. With Saliba unavailable and several defenders still building fitness, Arteta could enter the season without enough certainty at the back unless another reinforcement arrives.