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By Sam Lawley Published: 05: 03 AEDT, 28 October 2024 | Updated: 06: 25 AEDT, 28 October 2024 14 View comments Arsenal's defensive crisis has reached new lows after Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior both trudged off injured in a chaotic second-half against Liverpool, which saw the Reds seize a dramatic equaliser. Summer signing Mikel Merino had restored the Gunners' lead with just minutes of the opening period remaining, emphatically heading home a pinpoint Declan Rice cross.   Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a wonderfully composed finish before Virgil van Dijk drew Arne Slot's side level in a pulsating first-half. But just minutes after the break, Arsenal fans had their nightmare scenario play out in front of them as centre-back Gabriel slumped to the ground in pain. Much to their initial relief, the Brazilian was soon back on his feet after responding well to on-field treatment and was called into action as Liverpool ramped up the pressure. Arsenal 's defensive crisis has reached a new low after Gabriel trudged off injured Just minutes after the break, Arsenal fans had their nightmare scenario play out in front of them as centre-back Gabriel slumped to the ground in pain To make matters worse, full-back Jurrien Timber went down with what appeared to be cramp He was soon on his haunches once again, however, and this time there was no prospect of him continuing, and the defender was forced to walk dejectedly down the tunnel after he was replaced by Jakub Kiwior. The knock appeared to come after a collision with Darwin Nunez seemed to jar Gabriel's left knee. Gabriel was later spotted by the TV cameras on the substitutes bench with his knee heavily iced up. To make matters worse, full-back Timber also went down with what appeared to be cramp leaving supporters at the Emirates shaking their heads in disbelief. The Dutchman was a doubt before the game and, after twice slumping to the floor in agony, joined Gabriel in heading down the tunnel. To show the extent of the crisis,  18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly was called into action for the ultimate test of facing Mohamed Salah down the Liverpool right-hand side. And it proved a challenge too far for the youngster, as the Egyptian ghosted into the box in the 80th minute to tap home a cross from Darwin Nunez in a move which came down that flank.   The latest injuries worsen the saga engulfing Mikel Arteta's side, with captain Martin Odegaard remaining on the sidelines along with Kieran Tierney, but crucially leaves the side dangerously short on centre-backs. Last week at Bournemouth, William Saliba produced a reckless tackle on Evanilson as the Brazilian looked to race through on goal. Referee Rob Jones gave it a yellow but VAR sent him over to the monitor and there was no escaping a sending off.   Defender Riccardo Calafiori is also on the injury list after the versatile defender went down in midweek after awkwardly twisting his knee.   Summer signing Mikel Merino had restored the Gunners' lead with just minutes of the opening period remaining Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a wonderfully composed finish A Virgil van Dijk header from a corner drew Arne Slot's side level in a pulsating first-half  Last week at Bournemouth, William Saliba produced a reckless tackle on Evanilson and was sent off  The Italian initially returned to action after receiving some on-field treatment from the medical staff at the Emirates, but within minutes was back down, and his game was over.   However, it would appear that he in fact suffered medial cruciate ligament damage to the knee which will still see him sidelined for the next few games but not, crucially, a significant spell.   The departure of Gabriel prompted Arsenal to sit back in a tight defensive structure in a bid to maintain their 2-1 advantage, while Liverpool ramped up the pressure.   Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group