Mikel Arteta has a selection headache ahead of Arsenal’s huge Premier League clash with Liverpool because the Gunners will be without William Saliba.
The defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth and is suspended for the game showdown at Emirates Stadium.
Saliba played every minute in the Premier League last season and the Arsenal have not started a league game without him since March 2023.
But Arteta now must find a solution without the Frenchman as Arsenal prepare to take on the leaders.
Here, Standard Sport assesses his options…
Play Timber at centre-back
Jurrien Timber has been one of Arsenal’s star performers this season.
The 23-year-old Dutchman has bounced back after missing virtually all of last season due to a serious knee injury.
Timber has played as a full-back, but Arteta may be tempted to use him in the heart of defence against Liverpool.
He played there during his time with Ajax and was also used there by Arsenal during pre-season in the summer.
Timber looked assured as a centre-back, impressing with his ability on the ball, and he would be an ideal partner for Gabriel. The Brazilian is an aggressive, front-foot defender and Timber’s pace would mean he could sweep behind him as cover.
The only concern for Arsenal is that Timber has missed the last two games – and international duty with the Netherlands – due to a muscle issue.
Possible defence: White, Timber, Gabriel, Calafiori
Play White at centre-back
It may seem like a distant memory, but Arsenal’s turnaround under Arteta during the 2021-22 season involved having White in the heart of defence.
The 27-year-old, who joined the summer before from Brighton for £50million, formed an excellent partnership with Gabriel.
White has since been converted to a right-back but he could easily slot back into the middle of a back-four. He also has the added bonus of having a full season’s experience of playing alongside Gabriel.
It would appear that Arteta now views Timber as the first-choice cover for Saliba, judging by the fact in pre-season he moved to centre-back and White stayed out wide.
But, if Timber is struggling for fitness, White may partner Gabriel and Thomas Partey could drop into right-back.
Possible defence: Partey, White, Gabriel, Calafiori
Play Calafiori at centre-back
This is probably the most left-field option for Arteta.
Riccardo Calafiori has caught the eye since joining Arsenal, but has mainly been used at left-back.
The only occasion he has started as a centre-back was in the Carabao Cup last month, when Arsenal beat League One side Bolton.
But Calafiori has plenty of experience as a centre-back and excelled there for Italy during Euro 2024.
Arteta could also be tempted to play him there given the 22-year-old would be up against Mohamed Salah at left-back on Sunday.
Historically, Arteta has liked to have a right-footed player at left-back when trying to stop Salah, with Takehiro Tomiyasu his preferred option.
The Japan international is currently out with a knee issue, but Timber could fulfil the role if fit.
That would leave Calafiori free to partner Gabriel, and Arteta has shown he is happy to have two left-footed players at centre-back..
Possible defence: White, Calafiori, Gabriel, Timber
