Thierry Henry tells Mikel Arteta what he needs to hear after Gabriel injury nightmare

The latest Arsenal news as Thierry Henry reassures Mikel Arteta of the impact of Gabriel’s injury ahead of the North London Derby this weekend

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has outlined why Gabriel’s recent injury shouldn’t affect the Gunners’ ability to defend well against Tottenham on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta stated ahead of the Sunderland game earlier this month that he expected some injured players to be available after the international break. What he wouldn’t have wanted is for more key players to be sidelined.

Unfortunately for the Arsenal manager, that is what looks to have happened to centre-back Gabriel. The 27-year-old suffered a muscular problem in Brazil’s international friendly against Senegal on Saturday.

Various reports put Gabriel’s minimum recovery time at four weeks, with the possibility that the Brazilian could be out until January. As much as this could impact Arteta’s squad heading into a busy December, Henry believes a defence is judged on more than just the two centre-backs.

Ahead of the North London Derby on Sunday, the Arsenal legend was quizzed on what he thought of Micky van de Ven’s goal against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

“Well, it says that he can score a goal like that,” Henry told Betway. “Not to downplay it, and of course I also saw his assist against Man Utd last season, but I just think the most important thing is that the team defends well. It’s not just about two centre-backs.

“When a team attacks well, it’s also because the guys at the back are proactive, beating the line of pressure and making it easier for the striker.

“When a team defends well, it’s because the whole team is defending well, not just your two centre-backs. Trust me, if your team is not shielding on the counter and winning the second ball, you’re exposed. I don’t care who you are.

“But going back to individuals, yes, Van de Ven is outstanding, Van Dijk is outstanding, Gabriel and Saliba are outstanding. They’re strong, difficult to beat, and like everybody, they have their flaws, but that’s normal.”

Arteta will surely miss Gabriel while the Brazilian is sidelined. The Arsenal defender has started all of the Gunners’ Premier League games this season and, in all competitions, has picked up two goals and three assists.

The 27-year-old has risen to the occasion multiple times for Arteta. It was Gabriel’s 96th-minute header that won the game for Arsenal away to Newcastle earlier in the campaign.

There were further defensive worries for Arteta over the international break as Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from the Italy squad because of a hip issue. Fortunately, the Italian is not thought to have a serious problem and should be available this weekend.

The first North London Derby of the season gives Arteta another chance to extend his side’s lead at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City currently sit four points behind the Gunners.

Tottenham, meanwhile, could close the gap to Arsenal. Spurs currently sit fifth with 18 points, but if results go their way, they could end the weekend third – five points off Arteta’s side.