Arsenal defender Gabriel has suffered a thigh injury and is now expected to miss multiple Gameweeks, forcing Fantasy Premier League managers into an urgent transfer decision. Owned by 38.5% of FPL teams at £6.6m, his absence comes at a crucial point in the season and makes holding him a risky strategy.
There is no confirmed return date, but current expectations suggest he could miss the next five matches. That run includes Tottenham, Chelsea, Brentford, Aston Villa, and Wolves, meaning most squads will struggle to justify benching him rather than moving him on.
The table below highlights the leading alternatives based on recent form and returns, helping managers quickly compare the most reliable options.
| Player | Team | Cost | Points (Last 5) | Clean Sheets | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muñoz | CRY | £5.8m | 32 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| J. Timber | ARS | £6.2m | 30 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Nico O’Reilly | MCI | £5.0m | 36 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Richards | CRY | £4.5m | 22 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Senesi | BOU | £5.0m | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Truffert | BOU | £5.0m | 18 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Virgil | LIV | £5.9m | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Muñoz offers the ideal balance of attacking threat and clean sheet potential. His 32 points across the last five Gameweeks include one goal and two assists, and his projected points remain strong based on Crystal Palace’s upcoming fixtures. With steady minutes and consistent involvement in advanced areas, he looks like the safest overall replacement for Gabriel.
For managers wanting to stay invested in the Arsenal defence, Timber is the most reliable option. His recent returns include four clean sheets and one assist, and his projected points are supported by Arsenal’s defensive strength over the season. Fixtures are tougher on paper, but Arsenal remain the most consistent backline in the league, making Timber a dependable—if slightly premium—switch.
O’Reilly is the standout value pick, returning 36 points across the last five Gameweeks through both defensive and attacking contributions. His projected points stay high thanks to Manchester City’s clean sheet potential and his involvement in advanced build-up play. Even with challenging fixtures ahead, his price and upside make him an excellent option for managers seeking flexibility.
Richards (£4.5m) provides the cheapest route into the Crystal Palace defence and offers solid clean sheet potential without stretching budgets. Bournemouth defenders Senesi and Truffert also present short-term value, though their attacking output is more limited.
With Gabriel expected to miss several Gameweeks, transferring him out now looks the safest play. Muñoz ranks as the best all-round replacement, Timber suits those wanting to maintain Arsenal cover, and O’Reilly offers outstanding value and flexibility.
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