When a key player gets injured, the ripple effects are often bigger than fans expect—and for Arsenal, that ripple has turned into a wave.

Since Gabriel Magalhaes was sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury back on April 1, questions have started swirling around his defensive partner, William Saliba.

Cracks Begin to Show in Arsenal’s Back Line

The usually rock-solid partnership between Saliba and Gabriel has been one of the cornerstones of Arsenal’s defensive success.

Together, they’ve kept some of the world’s best attacking sides quiet.

But without Gabriel beside him, Saliba’s performances have looked noticeably less assured.

Fans and pundits alike have noticed a dip, with some key moments standing out—like his missteps in Arsenal’s games against Real Madrid and Crystal Palace.

And most recently, during Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Saliba once again seemed a bit off the pace.

Carragher Doesn’t Hold Back on Saliba’s Leadership Gap

After that match at Anfield, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts.

Speaking candidly about Saliba’s recent form, Carragher said the French defender hasn’t stepped up the way a top centre-back should when their partner is missing.

“When you’re a centre-back and the leader next to you is out, you’ve got to become the leader,” Carragher explained.

“You need to organise others, not just focus on your own game.”

Comparing Greatness: Adams, Van Dijk… and What Saliba Needs

Carragher went on to make comparisons with the greats.

“Think of Tony Adams or Virgil van Dijk,” he said. “They didn’t just do their own job well—they made the people around them better.”

That, Carragher believes, is where Saliba still falls short.

The physical talent is there. The defensive instincts are solid.

But what’s missing, he suggests, is that extra layer of influence—the ability to lead and elevate the entire backline when the going gets tough.

Harsh but Honest: The Challenge Ahead for Saliba

Carragher even admitted he’d be embarrassed if the same criticism were being said about him during his playing days.

“If people were saying I wasn’t the same without my partner next to me, that would really sting,” he added.

For Saliba, this period without Gabriel is proving to be a major test—not just of his ability, but of his maturity, leadership, and composure under pressure.

Arsenal’s title hopes may hang in the balance, and how Saliba responds could be crucial.