Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has some selection decisions to make over the busy festive period following the confirmation of an injury blow to key player Bukayo Saka.
The winger went down in the first half of the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening. After receiving medical attention he was forced to leave the pitch. He was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town, Arteta confirmed that Saka is facing weeks on the sidelines . "It's not looking good he's going to be out for many weeks," he said. "I cannot be too specific because I don’t know but it will be many weeks."
The injury is compounded by the fact that Raheem Sterling is also facing some time on the sidelines. "He’s gonna be out for weeks I believe," Arteta added on Sterling.
"He needs further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of his injury. It’s his knee. We have to wait and see another 24 hours. Unfortunately he’s gonna be out for a while."
So, what options can the Arsenal boss turn to amid the double injury blow? Here we take a look at four possibilities.
Ethan Nwaneri
The injury to Saka could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal in one way, with it possibly giving more game time to academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old has made 10 Premier League appearances for the club so far this season, but all of those have come from the bench.
He is able to play either in attacking midfield or on the right, meaning that he could slot straight into the side in Saka’s position. The teenager has scored four times in 16 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Gabriel Martinelli
Although he has only be used on the left so far this season, Martinelli can also play on the right, meaning he could swap wings amid Saka’s injury. It would however mean having to find someone to then cover on the left side where Martinelli usually is.
That would likely fall to Leandro Trossard who came on to replace Saka when he was injured in the first half against Palace.
Kai Havertz
Another option if Arteta decides to shuffle his team around is for Kai Havertz to step into the position on the right of midfield. Gabriel Jesus’ goals against Crystal Palace over the last two games is likely to see him remain in the team.
Declan Rice can then take his place back in the starting line-up alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. Instead of being in midfield as Havetz was against Palace, he could be pushed higher up to replace Saka on the right.
Formation change
If none of these option appeal to Arteta, he could potentially change formation so that no wingers are needed. If he plays three central defenders then Jakub Kiwior, or Riccardo Calafiori could join Gabriel and William Saliba at the back. Calafiori could also potentially come in as left wing-back, although Kieran Tierney could also be an option.
Jurrien Timber would then play at right wing-back with those two providing the width in attacking areas. The three in midfield are likely to be Rice, Partey and Odegaard with Havertz providing support to Jesus.
Sign up for Arsenal news direct to your email inbox
It is going to be an interesting summer at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal look to make changes and give Mikel Arteta the squad to overhaul Manchester City and win the Premier League title.
And by signing up to our newsletter here, you'll make sure you receive the best Gunners content including news, rumours, articles and fan opinions - direct into your inbox and all for free!
We also want to hear from you. Create an account here in just a few moments, so you can have your say on all things Arsenal, join the debate and take part in exclusive Q&As as well.