It is a big ask for Mikel Arteta, who has to balance an exhaustive list of absentees and doubts ahead of Arsenal's coming clash against Liverpool. With William Saliba suspended and Martin Odegaard ruled out through injury, this really is one of the toughest matches that Mikel Arteta has had to face this season. Young Saka has managed a bit of work on the grass, but there is still wholesale doubt over how the final lineup will look.
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With those doubts piling up, the pressure is turned full circle to Arsenal's backline. Beyond Saliba, Arteta has the tricky situation of Calafiori, who was forced off during the Champions League game with a knee injury. And if all that was not enough, Jurrien Timber and Zinchenko are miles off their best. Arteta does his best to be positive, but how far can this go with a back four on high alert?
Saka: Hope or Challenge?
Bukayo Saka is, doubtless, one of Arsenal's biggest hopes for this game. In any case, after an injury during the last international break, Arteta has admitted that Saka isn't yet 100%. "He trained a bit on the grass," Arteta said in his press conference. His tone, however, gave no clue that Saka's place in the lineup depends upon a few more tests and evaluations.
The question is, of course, how they use the presence of Saka without then overplaying him and inviting further injury. The desire to lean on one of their principal talents combines with the apprehension of accelerating his return. The uncertainty, it appears, is doomed to be a beaten drum until the lineup is cemented.
Calafiori and Timber: Defense in Limbo
Perhaps, though, it is in defense that lies the greatest riddle that Arteta needs to solve. Saliba, the linchpin for solidity at the back, has been ruled out, while Calafiori gave everyone a scare with his knee injury against Shakhtar. Arteta explained, yes, Calafiori has done some tests, but only on the eve of the match will the defender's condition be given a final verdict.
It's more complicated still with Timber, the defender, also key in Arsenal's backline, is returning after a long absence and has just completed his first full session. Arteta apologizes for the delay in the recovery of Timber, but he's willing to wait and see just how far Timber can go. Suspenseful, it should be, as Arsenal tries to stitch together a decent defensive line with what's left intact.
Odegaard and Zinchenko: Two midfielders, big uncertainty. Another critical point against Arsenal is the absence of team captain Martin Odegaard. Given that he was a leading figure on the pitch, much like Odegaard internally, his absence in action may affect the midfield area significantly. Without the Norwegian, Arsenal loses an important playmaker; Arteta will have to reshuffle the dynamics within the team if he wants to keep the game flowing.
Aside from Odegaard, Zinchenko still hasn't gotten back into full speed. The Ukrainian, in rehabilitation for a calf injury, would be a versatile name for both defense and midfield, but for the moment his presence is yet to be ascertained. The challenge now lies in how Arteta will set up a team capable of playing Liverpool with an alternative lineup, without losing their creative force and defensive capabilities.
How Arteta Plans to Overcome Adversity
Suspension for Saliba and injuries to other important players left Arteta in a spot. So, his statement said it all: "we can't feel sorry for ourselves." Pretty clear that this coach was all about determination being strong in spite of setbacks. He knew that with such absences, the team needed to be prepared mentally and sharp technically in order to face opponents like Liverpool.
Who Will Play Alongside Gabriel Magalhães?
Biggest question: Who will be the partner of Gabriel Magalhães in the backline in the absence of Saliba? Timber still isn't back to his full potential, and about Calafiori, their availability depends on recent test results. With so many variables, Arteta will need to rely on depth in the squad and might even look toward younger or less experienced players to fill gaps at the back.
And for Arsenal, which has been the highlight of the Premier League, facing Liverpool with a partly improvised defense is going to be an enormous challenge. The choice of who plays alongside Gabriel will be the most important thing in defining the team's solidity. For Arteta, it may just feel like playing a game of chess where every move could turn out to be costly regarding the results.
What to Expect from the Clash
With all these challenges, the feeling is that Arsenal will have to put on a near-perfect display if they hope to see off Liverpool. The expectation going into this is that Arteta will adopt a balanced approach-defending well while not letting up in their quest to take advantage of Liverpool's weaknesses. Arsenal still have attacking power in the persons of Saka and Gabriel amongst others, but how the team will cope with the onslaught that Liverpool is sure to mount is a million-dollar question.
If Saka were to start on the pitch, his presence would be important in testing Liverpool's defense, but with an injured roster, Arsenal would have to put up a team effort to fill in for those missing. Sunday's match will no doubt be quite a test of stamina and tactic for Arteta and his men.